"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23 NIV.
All! What a powerful word. In all, there are no exclusions. I am sad to admit for years, I mistakenly believed my sin was less than, or somewhat not as great, because I was a Christian. I had confessed my sins to Christ, I was baptized, and I was trying to lead a good life. Wasn’t that enough? Then one day, it dawned on me I am still a sinner. Not only am I a sinner but a hypocrite for not admitting I was a sinner. The weight of my sin is no less than anyone else. We ALL fall short.
Just like an alcoholic must admit they are an alcoholic when they enter recovery. We must be brutally honest with ourselves and realize we are sinners. We are sinners from the day we are brought from our mother’s womb until our days are complete. Thank you, Adam! Here is what Jesus had to say about our human state, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” (Matthew 15:19)
The good news is this is not as bleak as it sounds. Our sinful state does not need to define us. In God’s grace, we find redemption, and in his love, we find forgiveness. The first step in our recovery is admitting what we are and coming to grips with that reality. Then take it all to God, repent, lament, accept, and strive to do better.
God, we come to you today as sinners. We know we have a problem and need your help. We fall short of your glory and are sorry. Please forgive us for all the sins we have committed. Give us the strength and will to do better. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
