As a parent, it doesn’t take long for children to figure you out. Ideally, you should be an example, positive and a role model. Yet, when you have a bad day, start to fall away from God or have a weak moment you can’t run and hide. You have to face the truth, a sinner who has fallen short of God’s glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst, 1 Timothy 1:15.
The apostle Paul is one of those unlikely individuals the Lord calls out of darkness into the light to do great things for God. Yet, despite his successful earthly ministry, mentoring of young pastors like Timothy and many miracles performed, Paul was haunted by his past. Whether it was his guilt of giving the order to have the apostle Stephen killed or persecuting Christians prior to his conversion, Paul recognized the error of his former ways.
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.
Sure, Paul could have blamed his upbringing as a Jewish zealot. Yet, like other followers of Christ the conviction of the Holy Spirit exposes human imperfections. Other believers, pastors or words of the Bible make this point painfully clear. There are no more excuses, rational explanations or scapegoats. Rather, sins of inaction are just as guilty as those who commit harmful acts. Therefore, don’t run from the truth, accept it as a prodigal child in desperate need of God’s grace and mercy.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 