17 Comments
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Chad's avatar

As a newer Christian with an extremely checkered past, this really spoke to me. Before being saved, I didn’t think I was worthy of saving. After being saved, I didn’t think live up to any sort of atonement to give thanks for me being saved. About 5 months later, I am still navigating these thoughts as I experience spiritual growth, but have realized the things that make my past checkered are exactly what can make me useful as a servant of God. You articulated thoughts I had in my head I couldn’t find the words for. Thank you.

Chris McKinney's avatar

That’s awesome! I’m so glad this article inspired you. 😊

Terry Hoar's avatar

Dear Pastor Chris, a really great read. Be authentic, warts and all. Show the real you - making yourself vulnerable is scary stuff, because we then get bombarded in our minds with the ‘What If’s’, but doing so allows the light of Christ into the situation and gives permission for others to be authentic. Set yourself and others free. God bless - Terry

At The Altar's avatar

This is such an important conversation to have!!

Tony McCollum's avatar

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this.

Wendy Elizabeth Williams's avatar

Pastor Chris, how true this all is!! Thank you for this important writing, this fed me, and also as one who does not fit in!

Blessings, Wendy

Audra Powers's avatar

"We trade authenticity for acceptability." Such a great post! I'll be saving this one to read again and again. Thanks for your kind encouragement to the church. God bless!

Chris McKinney's avatar

I'm so glad. 😊

krista tressa(CaringMessenger)'s avatar

He uses our weaknesses🙌 This is good news! There’s no need for perfection in Christ.

Chris McKinney's avatar

A lesson I keep learning. Thank you for reading!

Pamela MacKay's avatar

Hoo-rah!!! Thank you!!! 😁

Chuck Phillips's avatar

We all have so much to bring to any situation, that reflects our unique gifts!

Tina B. Jones's avatar

This was sooo encouraging and confirming! Thank you so much for sharing!

Parts of this wonderful article made me feel like you were in my livingroom chatting with my husband and I earlier today! Lol!

The Lord, always amazes me how He does that! Our God is the same, yesterday, and forever! Thanks again!

Chris McKinney's avatar

You are so welcome! I’m so glad that the conversational style isn’t a turn off. This is closer to my style when I’m talking and I wanted everyone to feel like they were sitting across from me sipping their favorite coffee. 😊

Tina B. Jones's avatar

I absolutely LOVE it Chris! Your conversational style sure is a blessing to me! Please keep being you! Many blessings to you and yours!

Christina's avatar

Needed this reminder today to be my authentic quirky self.

Dr. J. S. NaDoli's avatar

For those who feel compelled to measure themselves; compare yourself to who you were without Jesus to who you are with Him; renewed and transformed. Soli Deo gloria!!!!!!!