Hey God, we're pretty good down here! Aren't we??

I was watching the news (I'm not really sure why) and it hit me.  We're down here pretending that we're evolving; slowly developing into a society of peace-loving, altruistic, and compassionate people well on the way to self perfection.  We think that if we learn enough about science, psychology, and learn to connect with the universal energy we will somehow get it right.  

So, what exactly hit me so hard?  We'll, I watched as the CEOs of banks and financial firms, governors of states, and leaders of nations have stolen billions from those who trusted them. Children kill their parents because they don't get to play video games.  Parents kill their children because they won't stop crying.  We protect murderers and kill the unborn.

Now, before you think I'm getting political (which I am not), let me say that the thing that REALLY hit me the hardest is that I am no better.  No, I haven't stolen millions of dollars or killed anyone but I have wickedness in my heart.  I have been selfish, prideful, lustful, ungrateful, and have hurt people (if you're one of them, SORRY!).  But, before you run from this blog in search of one that is written by a really good person, one worthy of witnessing for Jesus Christ, look in the mirror.  Examine your own heart and see if you've escaped the filth of this fallen world.  Really, go to the mirror and look into your own eyes.  Look at the things you've hidden, the things you wouldn't want anyone else to know. God knows.  Look at the money you've spent on yourself while others went without.  God sees. Go ahead and look deep . . .  It's o.k., I'll wait here.  Well, how'd it look?  Now, this isn't a guilt trip!  It's a reality check!  If we're going to seek to right wrongs and heal wounds, we need to start with the truth.  You may or not be in a place yet were you believe the Word, the Bible, God's voice to us but listen to these words anyway and decide for yourself if they are truth.

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way."

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

"BUT!  BUT, I DO GOOD THINGS!!",  you yell in protest.  

Me too.  I give some money to homeless folks, tell my wife she's beautiful, pay my taxes, and put a couple bucks in the red bucket when the guys rings his little bell in from of Walmart.  I go to church and try hard not to swear.  I say grace and pray with my kids before bed.  Yeah, that's all good stuff! But it's not pure.  It's tainted.  It's a bit muddy.  It's not my best stuff.  It's my left overs. Occasionally we do alright but face it, mostly its just an effort to be happy or guiltless.

O.K., here is the point.  We're not getting better.  We might actually be getting worse (we'll save that discussion for another time).  We cry out, "God!  We're NOT good down here and we need help!"  Good news folks~  He has already sent help.

" . . . and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The answer to our need won't come from George Bush, Barack Obama, Dr. Phil, your bank account, or that girl or guy who you think will "complete you".  It will come through Jesus Christ.  He is the ONLY way to peace with God.  If you didn't like what you saw in the mirror, cry out to him because he can and will make ALL THINGS NEW~!  Even you and me!  And, friends, that is good news....

Until next time, Peace

David