To hear the experts talk, all of us -- just the way we are -- are pretty fine folk. Were not transgressors; were pretty perfect people who cant help making an occasional mistake. Genetics have told us were helplessly programmed to do what we do. Psychology and science have taught us that were not responsible for our sad situations. Guilt? You can forget about that too. There are psychological and sociological causes that have made us into the wrecks and wretches we are. Were all okay. Thats why sin isnt used in conversation anymore. Thats why pastors dont pound on their pulpits and plead with their parishioners anymore. Sin is something for those who lived a long time ago, and guilt is only for folks who arent nearly as enlightened or sophisticated as we are. Sure, everyone makes mistakes, but that doesnt mean were sinners. It doesnt mean were bad. Were okay and because we believe were okay, we have become a nation where all things negative -- like our cereal -- have become sugar-coated. Lying is stretching the truth. Cheating is bending the rules. Lusting is healthy admiration. Hatred is dislike. Gossiping is harmless talk. Drug abuse is an unfortunate misdirection. Gluttony is a lack of willpower, and a person with a temper is temperamental. Of course, children who are disobedient to parents -- bless their little hearts -- are merely being strong-willed. Yes, were all okay. At least thats what we tell ourselves. We repeat those words again and again in the hope that we may, eventually, actually come to believe them. But if we really are okay, why is it so many people spend their days and squander their fortunes searching and seeking that something that will satisfy them and give them hope and happiness? If were okay, why is it that so many families are self-destructing? If were okay, why is it that school shootings have become second page news? If were okay, why are our inner cities unsafe for even armed police? If were okay, why do athletes feel the need to cheat the system with steroids? If were okay, why do the worlds nations continue to be in conflict? The answer is a simple one. On our own, were not okay. Left to our own devices, were not all right. We are sinners out of harmony with the Lord and the perfect life He wanted to give us. We are in rebellion against our God and, on our own, theres not a thing we can do about it. Thankfully, we are not on our own. We have a Savior. In the Person of Jesus Christ, God has sent His Son to carry our sins, take our punishment, die our death. His life -- lived for us -- is the path of reconciliation between a perfect God and sinful humanity. Now, because of what Jesus has done for us, all who are brought to faith in Him are given hope, happiness, joy, and a knowledge that when we stand before the Lords judgment seat, He will, because of Jesus say, Youre okay. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks I am declared forgiven because of Jesus work. May I share His story of salvation so others may also be saved. This I ask in Jesus Name. Amen. Pastor KlausIn Christ I remain His servant and yours, Pastor Ken Klaus Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour® Lutheran Hour Ministries
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 18:29:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015