“Truly drawing closer to God will not lead to endless introspection and perfectionism. Drawing closer to God should bring peace and assurance that though I am sinful, God will finish His work in me. I should have the peaceful assurance that God, in His grace, will not leave me in my sin. Living with the belief that holiness is important is not the same as living in fearful legalism. I am not justified or refined by lists of rules and religious or spiritual disciplines; I am justified by the death and blood of Jesus Christ, and I am refined by the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. Being refined is a result of God’s grace because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. He did not give a list of rules in grace. He gave us unmerited favor, a new heart, and the Holy Spirit. I can love God and love others imperfectly but with joy because I know that when I lack faith, God is faithful.”

-Thoughts from my journal from 1/28/2011