Something Special

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Rom. 3:23

Man has an ongoing search for greater meaning. We seek this through avenues of self-fulfillment and satisfaction. We attempt speedier ways to find convenience and promotion. Our computers and phones change almost by the moment. The way we do business and draw customers to our products is enhanced daily. Transitions to something ‘new’ happen in our world faster than sometimes our brains can take in.

Yet, as innovative and intelligent as we have become, we still haven’t learned to place sin on our priority list as the greatest hindrance to our well-being. Sin remains a problem in the heart of every man and woman. Even on the days we are at our best and following the Lord with all our hearts, even then, the enemy finds a way to lure us away through wandering thoughts, prideful reflections and self-absorption. Mankind would do well to probe the deeper heart stuff that matters far more than having new conveniences and comfort. The valid solution to our greatest struggle isn’t the need for the latest device, strongest abs or silky smooth shampoo; it’s the need to welcome our Savior who renews our hearts from the inside out, and who gives us abundant grace when we don’t quite get it right.

Each of us is something special in God’s eyes, made for His purposes. Yet, we keep losing sight of this because everything outside of Him is noisily attractive.

The constant urge for something ‘better’ but not deeper is the very thing that moves us away from the Lord and into sin. It’s what takes our minds off His will and onto other things.

New devices aren’t, within themselves, sinful. However, the desire for something better calls us from where we are in Christ to believe lies like: boiling over in anger is my only option, eating this one more dessert will calm me down, stealing will give me what I need or committing murder or adultery will make me feel good. We think there is always something out there better than what we have already in plenty and in abundance in the Lord.

It is one thing to talk about other people (the sins of the world) and another to talk about personal sin. There is an arrogance in each of us that even in our most humble moments, our brains still run away from admitting fault. Yet, the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15) paves the way for us to understand the beautiful picture of a Father who waits for His children to come home, a home that is full of blessings and life.

Conviction, confession, repentance and transformation through Christ are essential for us to know Him more and live our lives for Him.

Such a life truly is blessed, but let’s go even further. We will never, on this earth, get our lives perfectly right like the Lord Jesus did. We, in our muddy clothes are cleansed and made clean by Jesus’ blood. His perfect life and death on a cross brought us salvation. He covers us with HIS righteousness, if only we would accept this priceless gift in faith.

Yes, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (in the works of our flesh). We must admit our position as we stand before our great Lord and Father. Then we accept His gift of mercy as we fall on our faces at His feet. He is a good Father and loves us deeply.

Lord, we have missed the truth of who you have made us to be by going after other things, and so often failing. Please cover us with Christ’s blood. Make us clean and whole, and with your strength, help us to follow you and your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.