I have said on several occasions that I feel like I have a lot in common with Farmers Insurance. I mean, like them, "I know a few things because I've seen a few things". Coming from the generation that I am a part of, there are a few phrases that come to mind as I think about life. Someone once said that you may be in the first quarter of life up to about 30. Then in the second quarter up to about 50. The third quarter goes to about 65. So the fourth quarter is supposed to take you to the end of the game. Psalm 90:10 ESV says-
The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Now, if you look at what is commonly reported today, the average life span is about 76 years. So, if you think about it in a general way, once you hit the 70's, and especially the 80's, you are in sudden death overtime. Now, none of this is bad because it is simply fact. We get older and we learn things as we go through life. The older we get the more we know, although there are some that I wonder about, because I don't see that knowledge and don't see it growing in their lives.
There is so much about life that is learned and it is always over time. There are a few things known instantly. Like if you put your hand on a hot surface it is painful and you pull you hand off quickly. So, you learn instantly that if you do it again it will cause pain. The more you do it the more tolerance you develop for the pain. However, there is a point where you will cause damage to your hand by burning it.
This quote is often said to have been from Albert Einstein, however there is no real proof to support it or where it might have even originated. There are several theories but regardless the quote has merit. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
This will define then much of what we see happening in the world today. Sadly, we are seeing it more and more in our own country and in the faith life of our fellow citizens. People continuing the same behavior and thoughts. Even in politics expecting a different result. You see there are things that regardless of how often or much is attempted another result will not occur. The failure will continue to be repeated and there is nothing that will make it a different result.
Sin is that way in that sinning over and over expecting that it won't be sin the next time never works. Sin is always sin because sin is not what you or I think it is rather it is what God says is sin. Paul says in Romans 3:23 ESV-
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Jesus said as recorded in Matthew 5:21-22 ESV-
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment ".
22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
Then in verses 27and 28 that-
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
It is clear from God's perspective that sin is sin. There are differing consequences but all sin is falling short of God’s glory.
There is an important point to be made here and Philip Yancey said it so well. ‘There is nothing we can do to make God love us more and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.’ Let's be clear that this is what grace is, God's riches at Christ's expense.
There is a lot to consider when we look around this world. Yet, we can go back to where we started and know that God loves us. He sent His Son and in this season of the year we can remember what happened over 2,000 years ago this coming week. He triumphantly entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. A week later He would rise from the dead after freely giving His life on a cross called Calvary.
Ponder much this next week about all that occured in the Week of Passion and know that He is risen, He is risen indeed.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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