A long time ago (in the late 60's and early 70's) I remember I used to say things like: "Of course I am going to heaven, most of the time I'm nice to people and my family" and "don't judge me, you aren't perfect either". The problem with things like this is that I was making up rules, when I should have just read and followed God's word in the Bible. In short, I sidelined the major problem of humanity- sin. This little sign says it all- 'I' is the problem. I really like what the apostle John says...
1 John, Chapter 1 (WEB)
5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
We have to deal with not only the concept of sin, but the real life, day to day choices. Am I the center of everything, or is God? Where do I place my priorities in life. I remember one of the first sermons I heard at the Northeast School of Biblical Studies was by Ed Healy; Joy was the topic and happiness was achieved when our priorities were in the right order: Jesus, Others,Yourself. When you confront sin in your life (and allow Jesus to intercede for you) you play by God's rules. Larry Deason used to say something like: God's will, God's way, God's result. And 'I' is nowhere to be found in that statement. Yes, you will fall short and No, that doesn't mean you are doomed. It does mean that you are trying and seeking help from God. Enough said!!!
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