 This is why trying to be a good Christian almost ruined my relationship with God. When I would sin, I'd justify it. I'd minimize it. I'd apologize for it, but in the back of my mind, I'd tell myself it really wasn't that bad. I so desperately wanted to cling to this idea of being a good Christian that I wouldn't let myself come to terms with the full gravity of my sin. God doesn't need good Christians. He wants humble, repentant, and authentic Christians. Friend, you are not a finished work. You don't need to pretend to be, but you do need to submit yourself to God's work in you. You're not finished, and neither is he.