TRY SOFTER!
Ever had that sinking feeling when you realise you are so far removed from the person you think you should be? Our instinct is to try harder to be better. However this can get us in to trouble. Often in the Bible, the people who tried harder in their lives to be better people got into the most trouble. They were trying so hard to be good that it got in the way of loving others. They became fixated on their own efforts and became proud and annoyed with others around them, sometimes leading them to be judgemental (see Luke 10: 38-42.
Instead, have a go at trying softer! Rather than trying to be perfect until we die:
- make small steps
recognise our own limits and live within them
keep our goals small and manageable e.g. going 1/2 hour without complaining!
focus on God’s goodness rather than our own efforts
be more relaxed, less self-conscious
ask God for help rather than using our own strength.
When I try harder, I consider myself more noble which leads to pride at my own goodness.
When I try softer, I learn better and stay patient for longer when things don’t go my way. I should find myself less impressed with myself when things are going well and less likely to beat myself up when I fail. It will become just part of my daily journey with God, more normal. More easy to be myself – a better version of myself.