1 John 1:9-10
If we claim that we’re free of
sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense.
On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he
won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and
purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we
out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that
only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.
All rights reserved.
The 4th/5th grade Sunday school
group and I discussed who might be in God’s family. Surely Moses and
Abraham are included…and Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ disciples. Some
named family members who have passed – and even a pet or two. We talked
about how we are part of God’s family and will join Him and others in
heaven someday.
Then one boy said, “Well, Elvis is not part of
God’s family…because he ‘did drugs’.” So we had to have a little lesson
in sin and salvation through the blood of Jesus. Another boy wisely
inserted that “everybody sins.” And I explained that we all sin and do
things that displease God, because we are human and imperfect.
But
if we have given our heart to Jesus and trusted Him to wash away our
sins…and IF we do our dead-level best to live for Him and honor this
gift with our thoughts, words and actions, we are forgiven when we sin.
And if Elvis did these things, we will meet him in heaven! To go even
further, I explained that when we do sin, we must stop and admit this to
God and ask His forgiveness. And 1 John 1:9-10 is the proof to back up
my claims.
I told the children that we really don’t know who
will be in heaven…but I have a feeling that we are in for a few
surprises. I believe there will be some folks there that we thought
would not “make the cut!” And this is where our judgments get us into
trouble! Just as importantly, if we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and
then go on our merry way and do as we please and sin with wild abandon
and no remorse, we have disrespected our relationship with God. I hope
none of us never makes this mistake.
One point that I made with
the students – and want to make with you – is that we must never serve
God out of fear. We must never live for Him because we are afraid we
will go to hell if we do otherwise. Yes, hell is real – and those who
deny God and/or do not accept Jesus’ gift of salvation are destined to
spend Eternity there. But fear of hell is not why we should serve God or follow Jesus’ teachings.
God wants us to live for Him out of a deep and abiding love and commitment. He wants us to want
to belong to His family. He wants us to readily admit our sins and
make a concerted effort to do better…to seek His forgiveness and bask in
the unconditional manner in which He delivers redemption. God does not
want us to “fear” Him in this manner – all references to “fear of the
LORD” in the Bible speak of “healthy respect” – not trepidation and
apprehension.
I pray that you are a part of God’s family…that a
seat is being prepared for you at His heavenly table for all Eternity.
And I pray that you love and serve Him out of a deep desire to belong to
Him…and not out of worry and concern or doubt. I pray that your
relationship with God is based on respect and understanding of how much
He loves you…because in the life of a true Christian, operating in fear
of any kind is simply not an option. Now…what are you afraid of?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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