Rethinking the standard of being "good enough" | episode 276

Bonjour! Stephanie here. I invite you to join me today on a nostalgic trip to my grandmother's attic, where the scent of dried lavender transported me to the enchanting landscapes of the south of France. But as we explore the allure of lavender, we discover that sometimes its promises can be misleading. Just like the pursuit of independence, when detached from God, can leave us empty-handed.

Listen here: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/258599/link/ 

Drawing from personal experiences and family history, I invite you to discuss the inherited traits and tendencies that shape our lives. What have we received from our ancestors, and what are we passing down to future generations? Let’s explore the dangers of trying to measure up to a standard of goodness and the toxic effects of pride and shame. Our modern culture, saturated with self-centered ideologies, contrasts sharply with the biblical perspective on sin and righteousness. Through the lens of the Old Testament, we discover the importance of aligning ourselves with God's ways rather than seeking our own.

I want us to highlight Jesus' interpretation of the 10 commandments, because He reminds us that we have all fallen short and broken each one. Temptation, like the scent of lavender, surrounds us, and our natural inclination to believe we can be good enough on our own is a consequence of sin passed down through generations.

Our 21st-century Western culture tends to be self-centered and narcissistic, but the Bible paints a different picture. It emphasizes that God's standards are what truly matter, regardless of our feelings of success or failure. Murder and anger, adultery and white lies, all bear the poison that separates us from God. The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden reveals the danger of seeking independence from God. By desiring their own way, they ingested the forbidden fruit, causing separation from the goodness and trustworthiness of God. Choosing our own way over God's leads us down a path of evil, twistedness, and untrustworthiness.

So, if you're curious how misapplied lavender relates to our pursuit of independence from God, join me on this highly personal journey. Let's open the family album of the Old Testament together and uncover the truth about sin, good deeds, and the hope offered by the Gospel message.

Remember, temptation is often laced with lavender, enticing us to believe that we can rule our lives better than God can. But in truth, true hope, peace, and fulfillment can only be found in surrendering to His ways.