We all have parts of our story we’d prefer to forget. And we often go to great lengths to hide those embarrassing and shameful elements. But attempting to sanitize our story denies the story of redemption God is telling through us.
King David was considered a man after God’s own heart and is the namesake for the lineage of Jesus.
But it’s clear he was not a perfect man and is known for his scandalous sins.
However, neither he nor his sins were erased from the story of God’s people. And in no way does this condone his sinful actions.
But it does show perfection is not required of us to be used by God. He’s able to redeem even the ugly and reprehensible parts of our story into something beautiful.
Of course, like David, we must also be willing to admit our wrongs and show a heart of change by the life we live.
But this move toward better doesn’t require us to downplay or cover up our past mistakes.
In fact, they help to highlight just how far God has brought us.
Covering up our shame is nothing new. But there’s likely an element of pride here as well.
Pride seeks to present ourselves better than we really are. And not in the sense of becoming, but rather under the pretense we’ve been perfect all along.
Said another way, whitewashing our story unconsciously communicates we’re sinless and have no need of God’s redeeming work in our lives.
Not only is this a lie, it becomes an impossible burden to try to maintain this pretense.
Accepting the blemishes of our story, and that we all stand in need of God’s redeeming grace, is both deeply hopeful and incredibly freeing.
We don’t have to hide from our past or be defined by it.
Accept the messiness of your story and live in the confident freedom of God’s redemption.
One Comment