As a race, we seem preoccupied with sin. Before we come to Jesus, it’s probably our conscience that points us to our sin. We may not call it that. We may even deny that these “sins” are a bad thing. We may be proud of them. But through the grace of God, our focus on them can bring us to the cross. Obviously, that’s a good thing.
At the cross, we get victory over sin. We find forgiveness for the sins we have committed, but we get more. We get joy. That joy comes from the relief which comes from forgiveness, but more. We remain imperfect. We are not yet as we will eventually be in the presence of our God in heaven. But He provides us with a focused light. As He is ready for us to clean up a part of our lives, He turns our focus on these things and with the focus comes the power to prevail over these newly revealed shortcomings.
If we were completely, and at all times, aware of how far we fall short of perfection we would be overcome with frustration and hopelessness. Joy would not be our lot. Our loving God leads us by the hand on the road that will lead us eventually to His presence, in such a way that joy is possible even on the journey. And He loves us every step of the way.
But some insist on remaining “sincentric” after they come to Jesus. They go on constantly about their sinful past, sounding humble and repentant but with a streak of pride beneath the surface. Others focus endless on the “sins” of others or like an obsessive-compulsive feel the need to continually scrub their lives and confess, living embroiled in sorrow for sin.
It’s faith in our forgiveness, not tears for our sins, that proves the reality of repentance. David, a man after God’s own heart, did sometimes weep over his sin, but not always. What marked David as a man after God’s own heart was his faith, not the speed or depth or length of his repentance.
As Christians we are called to joy. David longed for a restoration of the joy of his salvation. Joy is a better gauge of your spiritual health than your preoccupation with sin, yours or others, past or present.
The signs of a Christian are positive: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. They are not sadness, preoccupation, self-righteousness, self-loathing, fear, impatience, meanness… Well you get the point.
We were born in sin. We are sinners and will die sinners. Get over yourself. We are forgiven. God is perfecting us. He is the one perfecting. We are the ones being perfected. It’s a slow process.
Accept the joy now that is yours in Christ, and that one day will be perfected.
Live your blessing.
Nick
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