Expectations Realized

There seems an increasing expectation that this life here upon earth should yield the greatest amount of ease, pleasantness and peace. Contrary to popular preaching and opinion, we still live in a present evil world (Galatians 1:4). If that were not enough, we ourselves are sinful creatures, by birth and by choice, with a strong, insatiable desire for what is deeply opposed to God (Ephesians 2:1-3). Pleasures that are destructive to our own lives, not to mention without regard for the welfare of others, steers us to selfish pursuits (2 Timothy 3:4). Proverbs 14:12 gives a depiction of each of us as ones who clearly have gone astray, seeking our own way, “but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Our sinful ways always lead to death. Our indulgence in worldly pursuits, such as, trusting in riches, using relationships (people) as long as they serve our purposes and benefit us, and then discarding them without regard to promises (vows) we may have made, or maybe just the disregard or disrespect for authority (governmental, parental, pastoral, occupational) brings the opposite effect desired on our part for peace and joy. Misery, guilt and despair accompany sinful practices from our sinful hearts. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)!

Often, instead of coming to recognize and admit that our sins are the cause of the difficulty we are facing, we try to blame someone or something else for the failures and wrongs incurred. Often that someone boils down to God himself. He bears the brunt of the blame, yet God is the solution to the sin of our hearts, wickedness of the world which we tend to follow, or overcoming of Satan’s temptations. Turning to God as the source of eternal forgiveness, freedom from sin, and hope of everlasting life in a glorious otherworldly place called heaven, is promised to each one, by a God that cannot lie, through faith in the person of Jesus Christ, and Him alone (Titus 1:2; Colossians 1:5; 1Peter 1:3-4)! Jesus took our sin upon himself at the cross, and rose victorious over sin, death and hell!!  The confession that we are totally destitute of finding favor with God on our own, and utterly depraved, thus, deserving of eternal punishment apart from God’s only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ is of necessity for acceptance that will yield ultimate deliverance from our sin and an ever-increasing sinful world (Galatians 1:4). Christ, through faith in the gospel, wants to become your peace, life and wisdom (Ephesians 2:13-14; Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31). He loves you and gave himself for your salvation from sin (1 John 4:10).