“God is none other than the Savior of our wretchedness. So we can only know God well by knowing our iniquities… Those who have known God without knowing their wretchedness have not glorified Him, but have glorified themselves.” | Blaise Pascal

Because of sin, a man will often be tempted to pursue the fleeting joy which comes from building his name and his reputation in the eyes and perception of others. However, the more highly others think of this man and the more they offer their praise for his uprightness, the harder it becomes to sustain the false image he is working so hard to project. Self-righteousness is a futile effort, which always leads to corruption and destruction. Eventually the weight and the pressure of keeping up the façade becomes so overwhelming, that the foundation the smokescreen was built on can no longer hold the weight and the whole thing comes crashing down.

The gospel sets men free from living under the pressure of self-righteousness, people pleasing, codependency, or pride. When a man rightly recognizes, repents and admits to his imperfection and sin, shame and condemnation no longer have room to grow in his heart. In turn, God receives the glory he deserves for his mercy and grace and the man is set free to live under the liberty and love of his savior, Jesus Christ.

Though a man may be tempted to compromise his convictions, in order to earn favor, validation, or affection from others, he can never find his joy in this compromise.

People don’t need another hero, they already have one in Jesus Christ. What need from a man, is unwavering aspiration to lead them to their eternal joy in the presence of their Savior.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.