After this past weekend of remembrance and celebration of our freedom, I find myself truly conflicted. On the one hand, I am so thankful for what God has done in giving us freedom but on the other, I am worried about what we will do with it.
In my message on Sunday, I used this quote from Thomas Jefferson-
God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberty of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.
I am conflicted as I consider this truth that Jefferson presented. There is little opportunity to not conclude that as a nation our liberty is not seen as a gift from God. Cancel culture attempts to block this and denies the very truth of God.
As I read through God’s Word each day, as I journey through the Bible, I read of how the people of God responded to His direction. I was recently in 2 Kings and as is my reading plan I read 4 chapters each day. As a side note if you are looking to read His Word daily this is a great plan to use. Just go to Genesis 1 and start reading. Now back to my thoughts. Over the past few weeks as I have read the proceeding books, chapters, and verses I have again noticed the trend that is clearly seen. God blesses and over time the leaders and then the people turn from God which causes God to deal with their disobedience as God punishes and they repent. Then the process starts again. It seems like a simple thing to fix but it doesn’t get fixed. This occurs in our lives and we are compelled to be aware of this cycle and work to mediate it so that we are not so often in disobedience to the Lord and His will for our life.
Sin is in the heart of all mankind. In Hebrew, sin is to miss the will of God. That may seem overly simplified but in review, it is actually a very accurate determination. There is a standard, a will, that is God’s and when we do not attain that standard, that will, we sin. It is then able to conclude that when a man does what is not in the will of God he has sinned.
So what do we do? How do we find ourselves in God’s will? That is as they say the $64,000.00 question. Now, will I sin today? Yes, and no it is none of your business how I sinned but I did. Now don’t become so judgmental because so did you. Now that we are on a level playing field what do we do?
In 1 John 1, he tells us-
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 just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
It seems that Scripture makes it clear that the thing to do when you sin is to confess it and remember you do sin so don’t call God a liar.
Some of you might say Pastor is this the answer to our problems? Well, in the big scheme of things yes it is the answer. However, in the complexity of life, it is simply the beginning point. It becomes our focal point. It is where we go to check and see where we are. It is our cornerstone from which everything is measured and built upon.
Look at how Peter described this in 1 Peter 2:6 “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
It is the desire of God that all people know Him. Sadly many will not accept His gift. Go back and read some more of what Peter said in verses 9-10. I know I could have given them to you but I want you to go look at them yourself because it will mean more to you. I’ll wait for you.
Glad your back so in conclusion, it is easy to see however heartbreaking it may be for you that the hope of the world is Jesus. Many will come to Him and many will not. The world will continue to spiral out of control but the things that matter God will keep intact for His people. As I have considered this today I find that I am still conflicted but I understand that is only what I can do. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
So for you today as you head out pray for yourself and others. Let others see Christ in you. When you sin and you will confess it to the Lord. Go home tonight and love your family then get a goods sleep and tomorrow morning do it all over again. Paul said in Colossians 3:23-24 that ...whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
A thought to ponder,
Elbert Nasworthy
