Charlie seemed like a born-again believer. He wore a cap with a cross on it and also participated in a pro-life movement. After his death, his three daughters shared how he had abused them. Believing a Christian would do this, especially since he was so involved in the pro-life movement, was difficult for me.
I do not have children, but I do have nieces and nephews that seem like my children. I have never done what Charlie did, but I must remember that when pointing my finger at the sins of others, I need to turn one finger back to me.
Although I never committed Charlie’s sin, I have not been Christlike with my interactions with others where I work. Sometimes I have been so convicted that I have returned and told one of my peers I was sorry.
Neither Charlie nor I deserve salvation. I was spiritually dead, but because Jesus died on the cross, I can be saved by His grace. We all must take our sins seriously by confessing them and seeking God’s forgiveness.
I need to do better. And we can all do better with the Lord’s help. Acknowledge your sins, confess them, and turn from them.
Name changed to protect the privacy of the individual.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Geralt.)
Ken Ebright is a former Minnesotan who lives in Belleville, Illinois. He plays a keyboard, sings in a men’s choir, and does street witnessing.