Sin, Anger and Repentance
I recently became aware of a show on the Biography channel called Notorious. This is an hour long program that takes a look at people that have become famous as a result of terrible crimes they have committed. Considering my sensitivity lately this is a show I need not be watching. It makes me an emotional wreck. I go from anger to anguish to despair and depression. How a person can live on planet earth and not come to the conclusion that humanity is doubly depraved is beyond me.
One may respond that it is only these murderers who are depraved and that there are good people in the world. The thing is that I see depravity beyond these murderers. It is true most people do not commit murder, but how else can we explain the callousness that we all experience at one time or another upon hearing such terrible news? So much evil in the world and the majority of the world do not lose a minute of sleep over it. What of the people who would not commit murder, but would neither come to the aid of a victim? The news last night showed a pick pocket caught on surveillance video. So what was news worthy about this petty thief? His victim was in the middle of a seizure when he had his pockets picked. That’s right. Instead of helping this guy who fell over and shook uncontrollably because of a seizure the bystander decided to seize the opportunity and rob the guy in the midst of his seizure.
I have lost all confidence in humanity because even when our deeds outwardly appear noble I am not naïve as to think they spring from a pure and holy heart. Only God has such a heart. Yes, his image is imprinted in us and it breaks through our depravity to perform good works in the world, but not before our depravity poisons the well of these acts whether it is with self-righteousness or some other sinful motive. It all gets tainted in the end and thus our works are rendered unacceptable. Lord, help us. Indeed he has. We must divest ourselves of any and all confidence in our own supposed goodness and look to the goodness of Christ. On his merit we may be accepted. Praise be to you Jesus for saving us and for making provision to eventually get us out of this mess! May your grace continue to save! Praise you in all your mighty deeds! You are worthy of all worship!
One may respond that it is only these murderers who are depraved and that there are good people in the world. The thing is that I see depravity beyond these murderers. It is true most people do not commit murder, but how else can we explain the callousness that we all experience at one time or another upon hearing such terrible news? So much evil in the world and the majority of the world do not lose a minute of sleep over it. What of the people who would not commit murder, but would neither come to the aid of a victim? The news last night showed a pick pocket caught on surveillance video. So what was news worthy about this petty thief? His victim was in the middle of a seizure when he had his pockets picked. That’s right. Instead of helping this guy who fell over and shook uncontrollably because of a seizure the bystander decided to seize the opportunity and rob the guy in the midst of his seizure.
I have lost all confidence in humanity because even when our deeds outwardly appear noble I am not naïve as to think they spring from a pure and holy heart. Only God has such a heart. Yes, his image is imprinted in us and it breaks through our depravity to perform good works in the world, but not before our depravity poisons the well of these acts whether it is with self-righteousness or some other sinful motive. It all gets tainted in the end and thus our works are rendered unacceptable. Lord, help us. Indeed he has. We must divest ourselves of any and all confidence in our own supposed goodness and look to the goodness of Christ. On his merit we may be accepted. Praise be to you Jesus for saving us and for making provision to eventually get us out of this mess! May your grace continue to save! Praise you in all your mighty deeds! You are worthy of all worship!
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