I realize that some of the people who audition for American Idol are just trying to get their fifteen minutes of fame, meet the judges and have some interesting video to someday show their great grandchildren, but one gets the impression that some of them really live in a delusional world of self-adoration. The tears that flow from the deserved rejection seem to be deeply felt. I am sometimes reminded of a man who once told me he had gone over a week without sinning. When I asked for him to explain he told me that since it was Wednesday he couldn’t break the Sabbath today. He had not murdered anyone today, stole anything, cursed or disrespected his parents. His definition of sin, or should I say victory over sin, was adherence to a code of commandments.
At first I am tempted to quote, “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12. However, I’m not sure someone living under such a narrow concept would ever be aware when he falls. He is not aware that he has yet to stand. While it is true that sin is the transgression of the law (I John 3:4) it is so much broader and deeper. Sin is selfishness that is deeply embedded into the fabric of our being. It is living for satisfaction of self at the expense of others. It is anything that harms self or others. Sin is something as simple as spitting out chewing gum on the street where others will step on it. Sin is tossing trash out the window of your car after going through a fast food drive up window.
Considering the truth about our human condition there is only one way for any of us to stand. It is not complicated. It is understanding the only goodness, the only righteousness we will ever have is a gift from the mercy of a loving God.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 4, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org