I am a work in progress.

It's a good thing when I'm improving, but that's not always the case.

Why am I slow and inconsistent in implementing God’s teachings, when my desire is to be filled with more of Christ and less of me?

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord." – Isaiah 55:8

My own thoughts are sometimes self-centered, wanting things that benefit me personally, and seeking outcomes through my own perspective. That doesn’t sound like the teachings of Jesus. Those are my own selfish desires.

I can tell myself during my quiet time or during reflective Bible readings that today my own desires will be secondary.  Why do I make that so hard and why do I have to keep working on this every day?

But through those struggles, I know God loves me in all my imperfections.  He walks with me daily, he strengthens me and he promises to always be with me. Flaws and all.

"... and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." – Ephesians 3:19

At my age (70), I know this life is a journey.  It's full of ups, downs, joys and sorrows.  I don’t always understand the things that happen to me or to others who I care about. But I don’t have to understand. I have to have faith in Christ and to believe he knows what's best. Period. My approval is not needed.

So I'm a work in progress. Full of imperfections, full of ways to improve. But I don’t get depressed about it. I don’t bemoan my shortcomings. I ask for forgiveness. I work to improve. And on my good days, I do.

Those around me would say, thank goodness – at least he's working on it!

Written by Tim Lancaster, who is retired and living in Lubbock, Texas, with his wife Regina of 46 years. He was the CEO of Hendrick Health System in Abilene, Texas, for 15 years. He serves as vice chairman on the Buckner International Board.