Dealing With Sin
Originally scheduled for
December 20
Man is the
creating creature. We can be very clever in our creations – especially when
dealing with our sins. Communion is a time in which we are to examine
ourselves; unfortunately, it is also prime time for creative excuses. Have you
heard these?
“What
sin?” Like Satan in the garden, we’re pretty sure that God didn’t mean to call
that a sin. Surely that’s just a legalistic interpretation of the Scripture,
right?
“It’s
not as bad as all that.” Sure, it looks like a felony at the moment, but
perhaps we could plead guilty to a misdemeanor, your Honor? This misses the
point: either way, we’re still sinners.
“Don’t
worry, God. I’ll make it up to you.” We have this picture of God as cosmic
bean counter; if we have more white beans than black beans, all is well,
right? No. God’s standard is perfection; in his love he offers mercy.
“I
don’t think you understand my situation.” Some of us have the disadvantage of
coming from a broken family; others have the disadvantage of coming from a
Christian home. Either way, it’s an excuse for the way I behave, isn’t it?
“In
this instance, I have an excuse.” Maybe I plead circumstance, or provocation.
We often use one sin as an excuse for another. My anger flared up; she yelled
at me first. Surely I am excused because of it?
“If I
can convince myself that I’m innocent, surely God will believe it too.” God
can hardly expect me to repent if I decide I’m innocent – and come to believe
it. Deception is still a sin, even self-deception.
“It’s
not my fault.” Blame someone else.
It is an
interesting fact: the Scripture never tells us which of these techniques are
valid. Indeed, we are told that we are all sinners, and all of us need to
repent. Praise God, then, that his mercy is made available for all who do.
Examine yourself; throw away the excuses and accept the mercy of God purchased
at the Cross. Pride needs excuses; mercy never does.
