"i invite YOU in": PERFECT in CHRIST

Ever heard the saying, “I’m not perfect.”  I hope so, because if you’re human than you probably used it. But that’s not the excuse I’m offering today. Not when you know the root of such a saying can be an excuse for the absence of accountability. Please allow me to explain. When I was in prison, we ran a Bible study on my tier. This fellowship time was not only the pulse of the housing unit, but it was also the bulls- eye of those who didn’t attend. Many would sit on the outskirts listening, curious about the mechanisms of a Bible study. Some would sit secluded in their areas ignoring the content being shared, but still aware of the fact that whoever gathered was declaring Jesus as Lord of their life.  So with the study being so “up front and center” to my peers, I was always mindful of those watching eyes—hence the birth of “U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE?”I cannot tell you how many times a member of the group would get up from the study and closing prayer, and within a few steps of the area we just consecrated, they would then drop an “F-bomb” or another expletive that would completely mar everything “righteous” that they just shared in group. And when I say “they”, I’m talking about the person who spoke Bible blessings in the group, but then was babel-cursing seconds later.  I, as the leader of the study, would pull them up in private about their cursing -- only seconds after Bible study. And you want to know their response. You guessed it, “I’m not perfect” and then the cousin of this excuse, “Don’t judge me.”Sad but true. You see, those two statements are nothing more than a persons crutch to continue to abuse grace.  I would say, “Yes, nobody is perfect, but you are not even trying. Don’t give me that excuse. We are perfected in Christ….”I’m not saying we are not going to make mistakes, but imagine if I stood before the judge on my sentencing day and when asked if I had anything to say to my victims family, I replied, “Yea, I’m not perfect and don’t judge me.” It would have not only been egregious, disrespectful, and callous to those in the courtroom, but it would have clearly showed that I lacked any sense of accountability and that I clearly failed to receive the admonition from my actions. Receptivity and accountability must hold hands.  It is that union alone that produces a submissive spirit to any type of rebuke, criticism, suggestion, or opinion.  In fact, even when it feels like someone is judging you, a true believer doesn’t use the excuse “I’m not perfect” or “only God can judge me.” NO! An accountable Christian receives even bricks thrown at them as the next layer to their foundation. “Nobody is perfect Matt.” You’re right, but how about at least partnering with Jesus in His perfection. Accountability equals emotional and spiritual security. Anything less is an ugly excuse.