In a world where it is assumed to be a sin to be sad our text for today must seem strangle and out of touch. It's not. When we sin, we should mourn. We mourn not because we got caught. We mourn because we have insulted and caused hurt to the person who loves us more than anybody else - God.
God loves us and desires to be in fellowship with us. When we sin, we create a problem in that relationship. It does not end the relationship. Our relationship with God through faith in Christ is eternal. Our sin does keep us from enjoying the peace that comes from being aligned under God's authority.
This week I talked with a friend who had to discipline his child. The child had lied to him and his wife. In the grand scheme of things there are some parents who would say, "That's not a big deal. People lie all of the time." In this Godly family that believes in honor and character lying is a big deal. It shows a lack of respect and character.
So the child was punished and told plainly, "We, as your parents, love you and nothing will ever change that, but we have a problem. Our relationship is not in good standing. We do not trust you because you do not respect us. Until you realize that and change the direction of your life, you will not be able to enjoy the benefits of what we can do for your life."
They made it clear that the child had chosen a path of isolation. When we sin, we choose to get off of God's path and go our own way. That causes a breach in the relationship.
Once the child realized the hurt and the implications for her actions on her relationship with her parents, she began to mourn. She mourned the lack of respect she'd shown. She mourned the loss of her parent's trust. She mourned her sin.
This mourning led to repentance and a reestablishment of the relationship with them.
As believers, we must see our sin for what it is. It is a complete lack of respect and trust of God. That should and will break our hearts. In humility and with a contrite spirit we can go to God and He will forgive and restore our relationship with Him.
It all begins with recognizing the wrong and mourning over it. Mourning over sin is a good thing.
Pastor Jason Pettus
1 comment:
I think that as Christians we need to face the ugly truth of our sins often and through clear lenses. I'm guilty of letting myself off the hook and that only serves to hurt me in my relationship with God. I feel a distance and isolation growing during those times between God and myself.
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