Come As You Are

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

We’re driving to church when I hear the words every parent dreads from the back seat: “Where are my shoes?”

Greg and I glance at each other, wide-eyed, as if to say, Did you grab his shoes? We quickly realize we have a choice: either we have to turn around and miss church or we stay the course without shoes.

It just so happens that the child who forgot his shoes is the one with the most tender heart. He is highly aware of those around him, and he feels emotions deeply (like his mom). I think about how I would feel going to church without shoes, and my heart aches for him. But I sense God reminding me that church is not about showing off our Sunday best; it’s about showing up just as we are to worship our King.

After a quick front-seat chat with my husband, we break the news to our son that he will have to go to church without his shoes.

“But what if they don’t let me in?” he asks, his eyes welling with tears.

“Buddy, Jesus loves you even when you have no shoes on,” I assure his worried heart. “He welcomes you to come just as you are. The people at our church will do the same!”

By the time we arrive, the concern on his face has grown. I carry him inside with sock-clad feet, but not a soul notices—nor would they care if they did. Church isn’t about presenting ourselves as all buttoned up, with stray hairs combed into place and problems shoved behind closed doors. We come just as we are, receiving the grace Jesus freely gives (see John 1:16). And we give grace to others, as freely as we have received ourselves (see Matthew 10:8).

We all have moments when we are forced to reckon with the reality that we don’t have it all together, even if we pretend to. Either we can hide our problems and miss out on receiving the gift of God’s grace or we can show up and receive the love of Christ. How many times do we miss out on the blessing of being truly seen by fellow Christians because we are consumed by the unrealistic expectation that we must have our act together?

Jesus calls us to come and receive the living water that always satisfies and never runs dry (see John 4:14). He welcomes with open arms all who carry heavy burdens, urging us to find rest in him (see Matthew 11:28-30). He calls sinners to come and be scrubbed clean from their sins (see Isaiah 1:18). He beckons the parched soul to drink and the hungry belly to feast at his table (see Isaiah 55:1-2).

That day, Jesus called my son to come to church without shoes on. I smile as I think about how I carried him into church with only his socks on, hoping he would experience the love, grace, and provision of God in a new and deeper way.

If you feel embarrassed or ashamed today, come and approach the throne of grace with your head held high, knowing your debt has been paid. Receive your Savior’s help, and let him wrap his lavish love around you in your time of need—whether you’ve got your shoes on or not.

Word before World Jesus loves you even in the moments when you don’t have your act together.

Grow in Grace What is holding you back from coming to Christ just as you are? Lay aside your guilt, shame, and imperfection, and come boldly before the throne of grace with confidence, knowing God has covered you, welcomed you, and forgiven you in Christ.