Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Does This Scare You?

One of the most basic doctrines of Christianity is that though we are born sinners, there is a way for us to change. That’s a scary thought for some people. How often have we heard people say, “I was born that way” or “I couldn’t help myself?” They say the words hoping that we’ll say, “we understand. It can’t be helped. Keep doing what you’re doing.” But that’s not what a Christian says. Instead, the Christian says, “I used to think that way. I used to think that I couldn’t keep from doing the things I did. But then I met a man who changed my life. You don’t have to continue doing what you’re doing.”

Recently, there has been one sin that has gotten a lot of attention and some people have said that it is “hateful” to tell people that they can change. But why should our focus remain on that one sin? I suppose it is more difficult for us to think that we were “born that way” when we talk about other sins, and yet, we do tend to be predisposed to other sins as well.

No child is born an adulterer, this is true, but there are things about certain people’s personalities that tend to lead them in that direction. Or consider the thief. A child may not be born a thief, but some children begin to steal at a very early age. Some have started even before they really know the difference between right and wrong.

So, for whatever sin problem you might face, the message of Christianity is, “You don’t have to keep doing that.” That’s not to say that the moment you accept Christ you will be completely without sin. We still struggle and we may do so for the rest of our lives, but with the help of the Holy Spirit it becomes easier. What a blessing it is to look at the lives of the aged and see how much better are they are for those who accepted Christ.