The second is described by Flannery O’Connor, who wrote about one of her characters, Hazel Motes, that “he knew that the best way to avoid Jesus was to avoid sin.”2 If you are avoiding sin and living morally so that God will have to bless and save you, then ironically, you may be looking to Jesus as a teacher, model, and helper but you are avoiding him as Savior. You are trusting in your own goodness rather than in Jesus for your standing with God. You are trying to save yourself by following Jesus.
Another thoughtful paradox that so many radical Christians get wrong. As I continue my faith journey I am more and more convinced that the point of the faith is to root out any trust, reliance, or faith we have in ourselves and turn our eyes to Jesus.
