This week, we are looking at the subject of sin in our class, "Everyone is a Theologian." Obviously, this is not a popular topic but the cross makes no sense without it. We need the bad news before the good news. No one would ever condemn a doctor for telling you the truth about your condition. You might get a second opinion, but you know the doctor is doing his job. While eating, a good friend might tell you that you have a little sauce on your face. They are protecting you from further embarrassment. God has also put people in our paths who dare to love us and warn us if we are wandering in our walk with Jesus.
Our culture is now trained to condemn others and see the evil in society. Pick your favorite person's party lifestyle to criticize, and you will find people to join you in your condemnation. There are issues to address in society, but in the end, we all need to look in the mirror which we often do not. I remember when I was in high school that I realized one of my ears was slightly different from the other. What was shocking was not the difference but how long it took to notice. We need to spend less time pointing the finger and instead look to Jesus as we look at ourselves and ask, “What am I missing?”
As we age we tend to rationalize our behavior thinking it's my temperament or personality which justifies our sins of omission or commission. The goal is not to feel bad about ourselves but to experience forgiveness and grow closer to the Lord.
After being a Christian for over forty years, it’s still difficult to admit I’m wrong. It does not come easy – but it should. It reveals that, at times, I care more about what others think than what God thinks. He knows I have sinned. I know he will forgive me – it is more so my image before others that is tarnished. That is a greater sin, fearing others rather than God. Yet, as I fear him his steadfast love becomes so much more real to me.
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:8–14)
This encouraging passage is not a license to sin but a call to fall in love with the one to be feared. Be willing to step into his holy presence, admit your sin, and trust in his steadfast love. His kindness will lead you to repentance.
