Love the Practical Wisdom of this Quote; Also there are NO moral people

David Johnson: "If there isn't an environment of grace people will never find the courage to be authentic." Tweeted by Heather Zempel from Willow Creek GroupLife Conference

That one statement packs a lot of fact and truth! This statement has been something that has been fostering in my thoughts for awhile now. As Christ followers we SUCK at showing people grace, especially we receive it over and over again...more than we will admit publically.

Too often we get our holy soapbox, and come across as the most moral people ever. This lacks of true wholeness and integrity. We are all sinners...if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves...we are all in need of forgiveness. We love receiving grace...but we don't love extending it.

One other thought, can I just say that there are NO MORAL CHRISTIANS...we are all immoral, we all fall short people. We need to get off of our pedestals, put Jesus back on it and realize it is not about our own RIGHTEOUSNESS but about HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Again, we should never let what is wrong with us, keep us from worshipping all that is right with God.

Don't let what is wrong with other people to mess up our view of who GOD is!

Can we restore grace in our lives? Show grace to others...receive God's grace for us. We all need it. ALL NEED IT! That includes YOU.

ADDED NOTES from David Johnson's session at Willow Creek GroupLife Conference via Heather Zempel's blog: Love it

Ron Sider notes that most evangelical Christians are not different from the culture in the following areas:

• in money
• sexual ethic
• racism
• divorce

Philippians - work out your salvation through fear and trembling-- not work for your salvation but work out your salvation.

Matthew 5-- Blessed are those who mourn. There are 9 Greek words for the concept of mourning. This one has to do with authenticity-- Blessed are those who start getting out here (into the open) what is going on in here (in the heart, in the secret places of life). Basically, it's blessed are those who quit pretending.

"I refuse to live in the dark anymore, I'm going to live in the light of what is true of me." People who live like that are being changed. Because they are courageous and authentic.

Grace is the only thing that has ever given us the courage to bring out in the light what we tend to hide in the dark. What if we knew there would be grace and healing about that thing we just can't talk about?

Random thought from me: Without mentioning any names some "Christian leaders" and "denominational leadership" need to grab a hold of this concept.

What are your thoughts and opinions? Share what you are thinking, leave a honest comment.