The Shock of Sin

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

One of the hard lessons for us as Christians is learning more clearly and tangibly the depth of our sinfulness and brokenness.  

I know that the Scripture teaches this, but I regularly amend it in my mind to be not quite as true for me.  Sure “I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5) BUT I’m a pretty good guy otherwise!  However, now in this sober minded moment, I renounce this thought, and admit that the Scripture is true.  I am a sinner, born and raised!

The only thing I have ever earned in my life; the only thing I have ever deserved in my life is death.  That is what I work for according to Romans 6:23.  So the fact that God still desires good for me and has made a way to offer me eternal life is incredible.  This gives me peace.

And then I sin again!  I become overwhelmed with truth again; I realize that am a sinner again!  But I had peace a moment ago…what happened?

God is not unaware of how truly sinful and broken we are.  He is not shocked by it like we are!  He knows that we are but dust (Psalm 103:14), there is no need to hide it from Him.  We can be honest with God that we are weak, easily tempted, and easily deceived.  God has forgiven this shameful truth through Jesus Christ.  In the face of this forgiveness, we can then declare with the psalmist, “My heart and flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 

If you find yourself failing today, please let me encourage you to let God have the final word today because it is a good word!  A word of hope because it true!  May you rest in His peace.