Just so you know, I’m not a good person.

I don’t say that I’m a recovering hypocrite because it’s a cute name.

I call myself that because it’s a snapshot of my story.

I used to preach against smoking and chewing tobacco while I enjoyed my sugary drinks and snacks.

I used to preach against the sin of pride while I was proud of my spiritual gifts and the things that I had purchased.

I used to preach against going to movies while I rented the same movies at blockbuster (yeah, I know).

I used to teach about relationships while I had a strained, barely-hanging-on marriage.

I used to go on and on about, “walking with God” while I struggled to wake up early enough to read 5 verses of the Bible.

I used to focus on the sins of person in the pew while I would wink at mine.

I used to preach my preferences while neglecting the rich context of the Bible.

I used to talk about compassion while only thinking narcissistically about myself.

I used to preach against the sin of lust while objectifying women in my eyes and mind.

I used to recoil at cursing (cussin’) while participating in gossip and backbiting.

I used to talk about being a Christian while having no idea what a real Christian even looked like.

I knew religion, but I didn’t know Christ.

I’m not a good person.

If there’s anything good in me, God placed it there.

I’m not out of the woods yet. I still struggle with some of these things, and others.

Honestly, sometimes I feel like I’m just getting started.

And that is why I’m a #recoveringhypocrite.