"Why I Need Jesus"

I saw this post at  SBC Voices - Why I Need Jesus  - and was deeply moved.  Almost all of what Dan Barnes says here (other than the part about being a pastor) also applies to and is true about me.

I have been guilty of telling many other people why they need Jesus, instead of sharing why I need Jesus. I know sometimes it makes me come across as a “holier than, better than and more righteous than” sort of individual. I don’t want that. I want to share with you, my friends, brothers and sister why I need Jesus.

I am a sinner. You all knew that. I have some sins that I struggle with more than others. I have the sin of pride, I try to study and learn and go, and as a result I often have a pride issue. I am not quick to admit when I am wrong, I don’t react well to criticism, even when it’s justified. I don’t like to be dismissed or marginalized, and I get very upset when I feel like someone is dismissing me with an argument/statement that is not valid. I hate proof texting, makes me crazy. It’s a result of my pride and ego, and to save me, I need Jesus.

I am an introverted, task oriented person. That means that I am not as patient and loving with people as I should be. If I am interrupted, I can become short . Being a pastor, my job is to be an under-shepherd of people, not do tasks. I need Jesus.

I sin in my actions, my lack of actions, in my words and deeds. I sin in my thought life, in my home life, in my work and in my play. I need Jesus.


I have a problem with thinking I know everything, when clearly I don’t. I get annoyed when people tell me I am wrong. This is prideful, sinful arrogance. This is sin, and I need Jesus.

When I meet someone who is far from God, I can get prideful, like I am better than them. In reality, we are both wretched sinners, I have just been redeemed, but through nothing of myself. I didn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, it was a gift, and those far from God need to know why I need Jesus. Maybe they will see my need and realize their needs too. Maybe the best bet isn’t telling them why they are broken. When someone tells me I am broken or wrong, I get upset. Maybe they get upset. Maybe me being honest about my struggles will be more helpful than me telling them how wretched they are. Deep down, they already know. They need to know I need Jesus. So today I want to tell you, I need Jesus. I need Jesus to forgive my sins. I need Jesus and The Holy Spirit to transform me from the inside out. I need the fruit of the Spirit that only comes from Heaven. I need the work of God in my life to save me from the wretched man that I am.

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:24-25a

 Yes, Lord, save me from wretched me!