When applying for a job, it is normal and responsible for a person to put their best foot forward. A job seeker wants to portray themselves at their best, as well as convey their potential to succeed.

It is also normal for us to do this in our everyday lives. We love for others to see how well our family is flourishing and to highlight the wonderful moments we get to be a part of. The message that we send isn’t wrong, but it can be detrimental in the church.

Paul puts his life on display numerous times in the New Testament, and he doesn’t shy away from including the reality of his struggles. Romans 7:19 says “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Again in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Paul was first in line to tell us of his sin. He was honest about his struggle to live in a way that was worthy of the call of Jesus Christ.

At The Trails, we do not want our members to put their best foot forward. We want to be honest about our sin. Because of the fall, our pasts bear shortcomings that have shaped our view of ourselves, people, and God that are dirty and unbecoming.

1 John 1:8-10 shows us we shouldn’t even say we have no sin, but rather confessing sin is a prerequisite to making much of Jesus. Confessing sin in community brings sin into the light so that we can start the cleansing of our unrighteousness and draw nearer to the throne of Christ. Putting our best foot forward in the church and in community acts as an obstacle to a rich and long-lasting relationship with Jesus.

I urge you to not put your best foot forward. Be open, honest, and transparent. Honesty will grow our understanding of Christ’s great mercy in our lives and enable us to better evangelize about His great love for us.

Romans 7:19,1 Timothy 1:15, Ephesians 4:1, 1 John 1:8-10