Sinners Only?
March 14, 2012 —
We Christians tend to foolishly divide people into three moral categories; sinners, good people and saints. “Saints” are people who seem to be effortlessly moral. While we admire them, most of us recognize that it is beyond our ability to be a saint. Many Christians think of themselves as “good people”. They believe that good people try to do good, even if they’re not Christians. They accept that while “good people” make mistakes; they have good intentions. “Sinners”, on the other hand, are people who, in many Christians’ estimations, lack moral commitment. Many Christians try not to associate with them. That’s what got Jesus in trouble; he associated with “sinners”.
But the truth is; none of us are “good”. That’s what Jesus tells us (Matthew 19:17). We’re all “sinners” (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8)! Christians are just sinners in recovery. Now I’ve only been to AA a couple of times because I don’t have a problem with alcohol. But I DO have a problem with sin! That’s why I need to be in church! Yes, my name is Bob; and I’m a sinner.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way, “I have discovered this principle of life; that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:21-25) Church is for sinners like AA is for alcoholics. If you can’t admit you’re a sinner, you don’t belong in church. If you’re a sinner; church is exactly where you belong! That’s where we go to help each other get into and stay in recovery – One day at a time!
See you in church Sunday!
Grace & blessings,
Pastor Bob
