Genesis 4:7
“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Isn’t it strange the way our sinful minds work? Our old sinful nature is so self absorbed that even when we do something wrong we try to rationalize our way out of it. Generally, we just do not want to admit that we are wrong.
In my years of experience in the field of law enforcement, I have observed and been involved in many court cases. Almost always, the offender denies the charge. Any officer who stops a driver he suspects of being intoxicated is quite often met with the claim that he (or she) “only had two drinks.”
More serious offenses that go to trial require much evidence and often a jury trial to find the offender guilty. The judge then pronounces the sentence for the guilty party.
I have had a unique opportunity to meet with a group of sentenced offenders who faced many years behind bars. Such a group of men came to know the Lord, and we regularly met for Bible study inside the walls of the Idaho State Penitentiary. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life to hear these men openly confess their offenses and tell how Jesus had come into their hearts to give them new lives. They were quick to point out that they had done wrong and wanted to encourage others to turn from the path they had taken.
I will continue this message tomorrow.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil