All that glitters is not…

I’m continuing, although sporadically, on the topic of sin. Today I want to demonstrate what a valueless thing sin is.

Some time ago I was sitting having a cup of coffee at a large shopping mall. The coffee shop was not enclosed and gave a good view of the comings and goings of people (“people watching” is a pleasant pastime). I saw a young woman who was wheelchair bound and severely disabled physically and mentally. She had some kind of bauble – I think a Christmas tree decoration – which she was totally engrossed in. It seemed to me this “thing” had been well-handled with much of the glitter having been rubbed off.

When you compare human beings who have such limited knowledge and ability, especially since we’ve been cursed because of sin and have fallen short of God’s glory, we are worse off in our relationship with God than that young disabled girl is to the rest of normal humanity. In other words, we are spiritually and morally retarded. How can that young girl converse with normal humanity? How can she appreciate the value of so much that others enjoy? How can she realise that her bauble is nothing and rubbish?

And you, man, how can you appreciate what God has prepared for those who love Him? How can you appreciate the peace and joy that Christ has promised when you seem to live in a pseudo peace? How can you appreciate the greatness of God’s love when you stand afar off and mock His precious Son? How can you appreciate the glory of God when and so much more when you are in love with your sin – that shining worthless bauble?

It’s only those who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, who relate to God spiritually, who live a life of faith, who can appreciate God. We see as through a darkened glass, says the apostle Paul. We can hardly make out what God has done for this life, and especially what He has prepared for us in eternity. Nevertheless, we catch a dim glimpse from time to time and are convinced that God is, and is a rewarder of those who search for Him.

Search for Him, I implore you. Grasp His great and precious gifts and drop your life of sin.

Until next time, so long.