False Accusations and The Savior of the World

Three Important Things to Remember About Jesus: Stop the False Accusations

A false accusation, especially on the head of someone who is entirely humble is all the more pitiable.  Our oldest biological son John, aka the #marinebaby, recently called from his current assignment to tell us that we could take him off our cell phone plan.  He had gotten his own plan and his own phone.

We breathed a sigh of relief.

John, is a good boy, er man… devil dawg.

He has always toed the line.  He is a “YES SIR/MA’AM” kind of guy.  Truly, our greatest frustration with him – the cell phone.  Every single month he goes over his data plan by hundreds of dollars.  No amount of post hole digging, fence building or trash hauling could make him not abuse the privilege of his phone.

So last month when he called and said to take him off we celebrated with steaks and champagne, which we would now be able to afford, or so we thought.  When the first bill arrived, which should have been much lower, we were shocked to find a $600 overage on John’s phone.

John’s phone which was off, sitting in a box on my desk.

An hour later my husband had cracked the code.  John’s phone, the oldest child-line on our account is where all data overages from the other 3 child lines dumped.  Further investigation revealed that John’s line, ending in 9170 had never, no not once, had ever had an overage.  The culprits were actually the younger two of our original batch, who notoriously stream Netflix videos on their iPhones.  My husband immediately called John to apologize, profusely, for years (like 5 years) of unwarranted accusations.

John’s response, a hearty laugh and a kind, “Don’t worry about it, dad.”  And he meant it.  He holds no grudge.  Although, an enormous portion of his adolescence is tainted by the “only trouble with John is those blasted overages.”

We regret this.  Also, note to self… strangle Luke and Sophie.

A false accusation is the very worst kind of accusation.

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The deeper my walk with Real Jesus, the more convinced I am He has been utterly and wholly falsely accused.  And as Christians, we cringe at the thought of our sweet Jesus standing before an accusing crowd, slashed to pieces and mocked. Yet, I realize I have done this to some extent to Him for the majority of my Christian walk.

Bad theology, false teachings, misunderstandings, and the bumps and bruises called life, had me convinced that I was in trouble and a crazed and wrathful Jesus was “teaching me something.”

The “I’ll show you” Jesus is one that I most feared.

I served him in hopes his wrath would fall anywhere but on my head or the heads of my children… because of me.  Yes, because I was so awful.  Granted my awfulness is measured in units of Weight Watchers points, cuss words, and checkbook balances.  Still, if only I would exhibit some self-control, finally I would be enough.

Here is the tragedy played out before us: that the cross didn’t suffice.  That the blood didn’t work and that my folly keeps Jesus so busy wishing I would fix myself, He has no time to save the suffering children of the world. So, I broke the false accusations that plagued me most… here, allow me to share.

False accusation #1:  God is very small.  Small-minded, and weak. He is worried I will never be fixed, and He is unable to rein in my donut consumption and Khols purchases.

Truth:  God is not man.  Man was made in His image, but that doesn’t mean He is a thing like me.  I tend to analyze from an earthly perspective.  Does God think in months and years?  Is He worried?  Does He fret?  Toil?  Manipulate?  Oh but friend, thank the Maker, He is so grand.  John 14:27 says, “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” Truly, who else is able to offer this?  No man.  Only a God of good and loving gifts offers peace.

This lie has been paramount in my unbelief.  I know I can’t trust me, but I can trust Him.  He doesn’t think like me.  And I love to let Jesus be Jesus.  Letting His true character saturate me. I have to simply remind myself, Jami, stop trying to figure Him out or make Him fit your brain.

Because… He doesn’t fit… too big, too amazing… too grand.

False accusation #2:  I know He forgives, but I have to work harder to earn that forgiveness because… you have no idea how horrible I am.

Truth:  Sin is sin is sin.  It all stinks.  For years I believed that mine was worse than any, which in light of some sins, is pretty impressive.  Hebrews 10:17 states “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”  Oh, except for me?  As far as the east is from the west, He has forgiven me.  What I hold on to is me, not Him (See accusation 1) I may not be over it, but He has no idea what I am even talking about.  Furthermore, if the cross wasn’t the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, why the cross? Certainly, God could have come up with a less bloody and horrific sacrifice if anything else would have been effective.  No, only the perfected Lamb would do… so He did.

False accusation #3:  He isn’t listening to me because I am utterly the worst.

Truth:  I am the worst, but He sees His girl.  He thinks I am grand.  And He knows me, still He likes me. The best news ever?  NOTHING CAN SEPARATE ME FROM HIS LOVE. (Romans 8:31-39)

Nothing.

No.  Not that.  Or the other… nope, sorry, not even that.  There is no ritual, sacrifice, prayer, or song and dance that I can do, aside from my belief, that can add to the perfection of the cross.  And there is not a single thing I can do – no, NOTHING – that will separate me from His love.  The flow of love bounces back and forth from His heart to mine in perfected unison. It doesn’t skip a beat or miss.  It doesn’t stall out or change rhythm while I get my junk in order.  He is not waiting for me to change.  While I still sinned He died for me and NOTHING changes that.

Like any good Father, He loves.

He is patient.

Nope, He is not dishing out cancer, brain tumors or job losses.  This God gently guides, He adoringly gazes upon me knowing that nothing I do can change His love for me. 

If you are a parent, take this test, test these lies against your beliefs.

What must your child do today to earn your love?

What must your son or daughter do to make you stop loving them?

Do you really believe you are a better parent than God?

Stop the false accusations and fall into the arms of the real Jesus, the Jesus who died for you… so that you might be with Him… always. 

May your floors be sticky and your calling ordained.  Love, Jami

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?”  Luke 11:11

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