“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.” Jude 1:16
So we have been speaking about a group of people I call “the secret-slipper-inners”. We have spoken ad nauseam about all the traits of this group and now we come to Jude 1:16. I intended just to skip it because we have really covered these traits until even I am bored with them; But the Holy Spirit won’t let me go beyond this one because here’s where it gets dicey. It’s so easy to say let’s pray for those poor souls who don’t realize… but this verse… this verse 16… it’s me.
You see I am a grumbler. When things don’t go my way I become an Israelite fresh out of Egypt. When things go bad I’m the guy who likes to shift the blame. I’m the guy so hung up on approval I’ll stroke the ego of anybody I think can give me a leg up or a hand out. That’s the real me without Jesus. That’s all of us without Jesus. Sometimes that’s even us with Jesus isn’t it?
My point is any of us can be a “secret-slipper-inner.” Most of us probably have been at some point. That’s why Paul wrote to the Galatian church “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” Gal. 6:1 NLT
As a friend recently reminded me, we are all in process and we need an everyday grace. Christ was once crucified for our sins but I need his blood to wash me and sanctify me everyday!
Have you been to throne of God recently to receive grace afresh for your journey?
Reinventing the We'll 
This is really humbling and needed, Pastor J. Thank you for encouraging us to stay real and before Him about everything, everyday. God bless you as you obey Him today!
Thanks Deb! I am truly seeking Him today that I would not be side-lined by my own carnal tendencies. He is all my hope and stay! May I never be found standing in my strength!
Lord, help me to pray about everything for my sancification can only come from Your grace that you give each and everyday. Thank you, God for the grace you give. Praise God for how he uses you, Pastor J. Many blessings to you and your family as you bring us the TRUTH!!!
Thanks Deb! When Christ comes He will find a people standing by His grace alone!
I so appreciate your transparent honesty, Pastor J. Yep, even with Jesus, I’m a pretty good “grumbler”–wanting things to be “perfect” now. I need His daily grace, definitely. Funny, how some days I feel “so full of Him”–and others, not so much. Oh well, I just keep walking forward with Him, in the brilliant knowledge that He loves me so much, and that that great love covers me head to toe, 24/7. God bless you abundantly–love, sis Caddo
I am so thankful for his renewed mercies every morning. I am so conscious of my need for them. I think one of the reasons people become “secret-slipper-inners” is because they leave off the grace of God and try to do in their own strength what can only be done by Christ!
May have been “dicey” as you said… but very nicely said and precisely the way it is! Keep on… I am not going to stroke your ego (lol) but I do enjoy your honesty and love for our Lord Jesus!
Be blessed
Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie! In Christ I shall keep on!
We are all in the same boat. We all need His constant, continuing grace. We all need His abiding presence, conviction and enabling, for without Him we are hopeless.
I have found that a whole day can be wasted (or worse) if I fail to spend that special time ‘alone’ with Him at the start of the day.
What an amazing God we love and serve!
It’s so true Angela. I struggle with time wasted and I have found that by committing my day into His hands through prayer in the morning I lose less!