Sue is one of the finest people I have ever met but she has one big black mark against her. She’s a vegetarian. My heart breaks every Sunday morning when I see her sitting in the sanctuary. I don’t know how to help her.
What makes Sue’s case especially sad is that she cannot blame mental illness, circumstance, or the devil for becoming a vegetarian. She freely made her choice and now she suffers a baconless existence. Sadly for me, it’s the same thing.
While the only sin I’m not guilty of is being a vegetarian, I’ve got enough to go around. And like Sue, I cannot blame my sins on mental illness, circumstance, or the devil. I freely make my choices and I suffer the consequences.
There are no excuses for the times when I choose to be petty, vindictive, juvenile, greedy, bitter, resentful, self-consumed, short tempered, uncompassionate, and unforgiving. These are all choices that I consciously made. Unfortunately, I make those choices a lot.
The good news is that in those moments when the weight of my innumerable sins overwhelms me and I see the despicable choices I have made, God continues to love me and offers forgiveness and peace.
This is what Solomon meant by saying: “Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 CEB)
Take a few minutes to confess your sins to God, ask to be forgiven and become the person God created you to be. It’s your choice.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, so often I fail to meet your expectations for my life. I usually choose me over you. For this I am truly sorry. Forgive my sins and help me to make choices that draw me closer to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
You only have one life. Choose to live wisely.
Also, please pray for Sue. Even though she’s much closer to God than I will ever be, I still worry about that one bad decision that prevents her from truly living life.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 