Growing up, I remember Dad pointing out to me that you never have to teach a child to lie, it comes quite naturally. By the same token so does other sins, like taking things that do not belong to us. In fact, on our own, and without outside influences, we all are very capable of committing every conceivable sin.
Rich kids steal things and poor kids hurt and abuse those even more unfortunate. Even though logic would seem to scream against it, these young people make their decisions and choices seemingly in spite of their upbringing.
We've all seen good parents confused and heartbroken as they hear the witness describe the awful acts inflicted by their child. While on the contrary, we've all seen wonderful young people spring from the most unlikely surroundings. Deadbeat dads and alcoholic mothers have given birth to the most incredible children.
The point is that we are all sinners. Jesus Christ did not come to live, die, and raise again, for some small or large group of people that would need His offer of salvation in order to reach Heaven. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) His salvation is for every single human being, "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) You see, there is not a single sin that makes us a sinner, for we are all born in sin. "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5) In that, we have no choice. Born to die and condemned already.
As our lives progress, there arise choices that must be made. Lie to Mom to get out of trouble? Face up to Dad for breaking the window? God places these tiniest decisions in front of us to try our bred and nature. And there is a moment that each one of us is offered "the gift."
Salvation is presented to us as a gift from a loving Savior. Jesus Christ Himself loves us in spite of our flawed humanity. In fact, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6) It doesn't matter to Him that we are broken vessels and lives in need of mending. What is important is that we see our need for salvation. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) must be totally understood and accepted. Straightening out our lives and cleaning out the closet will not save our souls.
All the filth and sin we have collected in our lives will remain on our hearts and records until it is throughly washed in the blood. (Rev. 1:5) Only through His cleansing power are we renewed and reborn. We cannot make ourselves pure and holy, but Jesus can. That is most amazing part of it all. That even after a life of filth and sin, we can become "white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18) His grace enters our hearts and lives and we are changed by His precious purging blood.
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
It's as simple as that, and yet as complicated as putting those words into action. Perhaps this is part of the "simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Cor. 11:3) |
