We have to come before God just as we are. He wants us to do this. It gives Him great pleasure when we entrust our sinful selves to his care. He can clean up sinners... He's been doing it for years. When we humbly admit our faults and failures and invite Him into our hearts He immediately begins clean-up duty. Who does He have difficulty cleaning up? Not sinners. No way.
A far greater obstacle for God is when people think they are not sinners. "I'm a good person. I'm nothing like that guy over there passed out on the sidewalk. Get a job, you bum!"
I wouldn't be surprised if the person passed out on the sidewalk was in better shape spiritually than someone that speaks like this. I'm not saying that this is the case, I'm just saying that I wouldn't be surprised. I once saw a man who was sleeping on the sidewalk. I was worried and shook him until he woke up because I thought he might need medical attention. He was very sweet and gentle. Told me that he was an alcoholic, had passed out, and that his head was killing him. We spoke about God, family, and food :) He believed in God and wanted to stop drinking but "wasn't doing a very good job quitting". Perhaps not...but he was honest. I knew God would help this man.
I watched a number of people walk by this man without giving him a second glance. These are the ones I'm praying for the most.
Reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan.
ReplyDeleteThose two people who passed by before the Samaritan still exist, and are still passing by, today!
God bless.
Great post and analogy Mary. Yeah, a lot of comparison goes on with "good works" will get me in heaven. Uh uh! Thank God I know that I am saved through Grace and know His beloved Son.
ReplyDeleteAmen. It is so easy to get used to our comfortable lifestyles - even if we can't afford every whim - and forget about others less fortunate. It's so easy to point fingers and say, "he's a drug addict" or "she's a schizophrenic homeless" and forget these are real human beings in need of prayer and love, and that it is only by the great mercy of God that we are not in their shoes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post.
Well posted, Mary... 'who humbles himself will be exalted'
ReplyDeleteI feel so sad when I see someone who is so down. These are the "poor" Christ spoke about - the poor that we see. The poor that we don't see are the ones carrying mental and physical illnesses that affect the lives of their families negatively. Please pray for my sister who is not well mentally. We would not dream of passing her by, but helping her is very difficult. I can only offer my encouragement and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI will keep her in my prayers, Barb. Please pray for my father who also suffers physically and mentally.
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