I've been thinking on repentance more than usual, given the Supreme Court's ruling last week legalizing gay marriage. Between that and the recent massacre in a South Carolina church of Christians, it's painfully obvious that this is a nation greatly divided. I think anyone, Believer in Christ or non-believer, would be in denial if they didn't see the widening gulf that has emerged between love and hate.
I have also been thinking that the Body of Christ must accept some responsibility for the sad state we find ourselves in. Some will probably disagree with me but the fact of the matter is that the church has been sleeping. We've watched events unfold and whether it's due to laziness or naivete, we have been largely silent. We are quick to pat ourselves on the back over all the good done in Jesus name but far too few of us, myself included have been willing to sacrifice our comfort. We look around and shake our heads and wonder how we ended up where we are today...
As a child and in raising my own children, the concept of "being sorry" begins at an early age. We are told to apologize to the offended party for being mean and unkind, not sharing a toy, hitting someone out of frustration or anger. It's an acquired trait, it's not something that comes naturally to us in our fallen state. Many times my children would comply for no other reason than to avoid the consequences that awaited them if they disobeyed. Some times we're not truly sorry over our behavior, we're sorry that we have been caught.
Sorry, penitent and repentant are not the same thing. Being sorry is the least level of emotional investment. It's polite regret at its best, it's the expected response one makes when they hear of something that causes discomfort or distress in someone else. We mumble the words and proceed on our course as if nothing has really transpired at all.
Webster's defines Penitent as a "deep sadness that a person feels for his or her sins or faults" Being penitent is a good start, but God is seeking repentance in the Believer's heart; what God desires for us is to TURN away from the path we've been traveling, for our hearts to turn around and go in a new direction, towards Christ. I think the reason repentance is so difficult is because it requires humility.
I struggle with pride and I know that I am not the only one. I don't like admitting that I have done something that has hurt another person. With people I can say "I'm sorry for what I've done" and move on. A Holy, Omniscient God sees right through me and the sincerity of my words; I know that He is seeking for me to make a course correction and most times, I don't want to change. Humility is hard stuff, in my opinion pride is the key to every sin and fault in mankind. We think that we are deserving of something, no matter how it affects others.
I've seen a LOT of hatefulness on both sides of the gay marriage issue in the last several days. From vile and disgusting taunts and self-righteous indignation.; but I've also seen people who call themselves Christians act very un-Christlike! For myself personally, I oppose it on Biblical grounds. As a Christian, a Christ follower who believes that salvation is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone and that the Bible is the inspired word of God, I believe that He has defined and ordained marriage as being between a man and a woman. It is recorded in Genesis and confirmed by Jesus Christ Himself within the Gospels. Without even bringing specific scriptures into play regarding judgment...I ask how sinful mankind can usurp the authority of God?
My own sins are no more heinous and no less heinous, to a just and holy God, than those of others. That's where the mercy and grace that flowed free for us through Christ, levels the field. We are all sinners and we are all in need of a Savior. Even when the woman, who was caught in the very act of adultery was brought to Jesus, He asked who among the accusers was w/o sin? When they had all turned away He asked her, "Woman where are your accusers?" He extended grace and forgiveness, no condemnation. Too many people forget or overlook what else He said to her, "Go and sin no more". He didn't say she wasn't a sinner b/c He didn't want to hurt her feelings or say that it was no big deal because sin is a big deal...He had freed her from the bondage that sin has over us. He has shown us a better way to live...
I have friends who are atheists and they will continue to shake their fist at God until the bitter end. It's sad and I know it breaks God's heart but He can not change His character. This Sovereign God who stands outside time and space has always offered free will, even before Adam and Eve, Lucifer and the others were given a free will. He never imposes Himself upon us but prefers, that we worship Him (or not worship Him) out of our own free will. It's funny how people are okay with that but when tragedy strikes or man's inhumanity rears its ugly head, they expect God to intervene. This same God whom they don't want imposing upon them is now expected to impose on others as if He were a genie in a bottle.
Certainly God has answered prayers and HAS intervened. Why does He do it for some and not for everyone? I honestly don't know. I could say that He sees the bigger picture and knows the future, which He does but when we are hurting, that's NOT what we want to hear. All I know is that God has proven His trustworthiness to me over and over, time and time again. I can entrust my future to Him because He cares and only has my best interest in heart.
Regardless of man's laws, God's laws prevail. We are called to Love God, serve God and point those who are lost to a Savior who took their place and bore our punishment. I find myself reflecting on whether I have been faithful to our mission statement or have I been smug and looked at my fellow sinners as if I am somehow better? In my own eyes, I've viewed their sins as worse than my own. The truth of the matter is found in Romans 3:23,
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Sometimes, a little self reflection is just what the Doctor ordered!
