We are such a contradiction, such a paradox as believers! Like the apostle Paul said of himself (Romans 7), we often do what we know we shouldn’t do — and don’t do what we know we should; and even if we could tame and conform our behavior, there’s our thought-life! These things about us make the grace of God truly amazing!
I think the description Terry Scott Taylor (Daniel Amos Band, The Swirling Eddies, The Lost Dogs) gives us is right on: We believers are so inconsistent; we are indeed “glorious dregs!” Our “glory” is Christ’s imputed righteousness which is given to us by faith alone in Christ alone (e.g., Romans 3:2122; II Corinthians 5:21). Apart from this gift, we are, well, why not just say it like it is: we are sinners who desperately need a Savior; dregs in need of deliverance!
Even a cursory reading of Paul’s incredible epistle to the Romans spells this out in terms no one can possibly miss — unless they choose to!
You see, our basic disposition (or bent) as humans is to sin. We never lose this tendency, even as believers! Like a front end (of a car) out of alignment that requires constant correction, our struggle is to keep our life conformed to the will of God as outlined in the Word of God.
Years ago, pastor Chuck Swindoll put it like this: “It’s three steps forward, two steps back!”