Why Does It Matter?

Daily thoughts for December 17, 2014.

 

Why Does It Matter?

 

Daily Reading: Acts 10:42-43

 



What is this whole faith thing about anyway? Why should I believe? I am a good enough person, what does it matter?

 

I want you to use a little imagination today. Picture yourself in a large courtroom. You are a defendant, sitting in front of a righteous and flawless judge. Read aloud are your charges. The list is long, and with each charge you feel yourself less and less capable of defending them. As more and more charges are read- all the excuses and situations you used to justify your actions begin to stack up and lose their power. Eventually, as every single charge is read to you- the weight and gravity of the poor choices that you have made begin to sink in. Finally, the last charge is read.

 

Now it's time to enter your plea and present your defense. Except- you cannot explain it. You cannot excuse away all of it. There's far too much. Inside you realize that you may have not been the mere victim of circumstance that you once thought you were. The only explanation now is a plea. Guilty.

 

The good news is that the judge isn't a randomly elected official. He is your father, and He loves you. He is, however, a good judge and requires justice. You will be sentenced for the wrongs. Your sentence is short lived, however, as you discover that someone else has taken the fall for your crimes. That person was Jesus. You are released and given a second chance!

 

Life is a learning curve. God understands this. God has patience with this. He knows our shortcomings and our faults. He is merciful and forgiving, and like any good parent, has "appropriate expectations" of his children. God created rules for us to follow that will provide the best outcomes for us to live- then he created forgiveness for his children that break them. He only asks that you accept his forgiveness- which came in the form of Jesus.

 

This is what the faith is all about. Accepting the precious gift of freedom. Ever wonder why Christians can be so nuts sometimes? They have experienced the healing power of this freedom and wish to share it with everyone!

 

I will not condemn you or anyone. I am not your judge. Only you and God know how you have conducted your life. I will say that I have made some mistakes- and that when I accepted this gift it changed my life! The same can be true for you. There is no prayer at the end of today's message- just the opportunity for one. The opportunity to wipe the slate clean, to be forgiven and forgive yourself. To have a new start and a new life. Will you take it?