Our Human Condition

John Claypool, in his book, "Mending the Heart", writes, "Very few things about the human condition are truly universal, but one of them is this: none of us has lived life perfectly." The apostle Paul stated this truth quite bluntly when he wrote, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The Message perhaps takes it a step further as it says that we have a "long and sorry record as sinners." Doesn't sound like a hopeful assessment of our human condition, does it?

And yet, though broken by our sin, we are not without hope. Claypool continues, "We face no greater challenge day in and day out than simply discovering some way to live creatively and redemptively with the imperfection that is inherent in all things human." We are able to live creatively and redemptively in the midst of our imperfections because of the grace and mercy of the One who created and redeemed us. It is impossible to truly ignore the sin of our lives...there is no mistaking our failures. There is also, however, no mistaking the wonder of God's love at work through Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness and restoration. John reminds us in I John 1:9, "If we are faithful to confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Even with our long and sorry record as sinners, God does not forsake, but offers the way of return.

Thus, Claypool concludes, "Because of God's incredible patience, mercy, and hope, we can stoop over to pick up the pieces, learn what there is to learn from them, and then see what we can make of what is left. Next time, not if only, is God's gracious answer to our admission of guilt, and nothing is more basic to the mending of the heart." Amen!

As one with a long and sorry record as a sinner, I am grateful for the grace and mercy of Almighty God. I look forward to sharing with you this Sunday the continuing story of God's love as we worship together.

Jim Abernathy