Hello ,
Have you ever been to a ski mountain where they make their own snow? Often times, Christians make their own "spiritual snow." It's a fact. Read the following text today:
After a thorough reading of the above text, one comes away with the truth that the covering of our pasts is
an act of God through Jesus Christ. Is it possible though, that there are still some that are attempting to cover their pasts with the "man-made snow-making" of good works? It's not just possible; as a pastor I have seen it quite frequently over the years.
I've watched heartsick individuals attempt to cover up the
corruption of their pasts through trying desperately hard to be righteous in all of their acts. They take great pride in the idea that they have all of their "doctrinal ducks" in a row. They are attempting to make their own snow!
If you struggle with any of the following behaviors, you could be attempting to cover your own sins
with your own "form" of man-made "snow" (self-righteous works):
- You focus on the way that you "perform" each and every day, but lose your focus on Jesus as the Author and Finisher of your faith.
- You focus on the faults of others, magnifying their awful states. You also talk about your faults, but somehow yours don't seem quite as bad as those around you.
- You emotionally beat yourself up about how far you have to go to finally have God be pleased with you.
- You're more interested in starting a theological fight with someone over points of doctrine than you are in rejoicing with them about the truth of salvation.
- You possess an "us and them" mentality about those who don't
always agree with the way you see things in the scriptures.
All of these behaviors (and more,) are ways in which many well-meaning Christians attempt to make their own snow. Some of them even think that it is their duty to go make snow on other people's hills as well. It's a discouraging way to
live.
Christianity doesn't have to be difficult! It doesn't have to be an uphill slog through the "man-made snow" of focusing on our deeds, and the deeds of others. It can be summed up in one beautiful verse of scripture.
When we recognize that we can never add value to the precious gift of Calvary by the things that we do (or don't do,) we begin
to realize that anything righteous in our lives is a direct result of staying connected to Jesus. His "snow of salvation" results in deep, white, powdery drifts that cover our past in ways that we never could, and helps us to be strong in the Lord through our daily walk with Him. Christ's "snow" is a beautiful thing to behold!
Have a
great day and God bless!
