Titus 3:3-8 NKJV

[3] For we, ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, [5] not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, [6] whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

I would like to believe that all of my ungodly attributes are a thing of the past. I wish I could say that all of my words, choices, and behaviors line up perfectly with God's Word and His will. I want it to, but I am limited by the flesh I am bound to. I am a broken, sinful, selfish man in this body, but that is not my identity.

I used to get stuck on all of the things I did wrong. I was well-known for my failures. I held out for the hope that I could be good enough if I tried harder, worked more, and put forth extra efforts. I ALWAYS ended up discouraged and disappointed in myself. It is impossible to be proud and weak.

God wants the best for each of us. He doesn't expect us to go out and get it, do it, and live it for ourselves. The largest part of my strength comes from my realization and reliance on the power of God's presence in my life. I don't look to me for my hope. All I am comes from a Savior who saw fit to spare me from me. There is far less mess to worry about when I focus more on the Messiah and less on me.