How’s the Altitude Up There?
do you think you’re above everyone else…
'About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” ' Luke 13:1-5
justify: verb - show or prove to be right or reasonable
i knew this word all too well. to make myself feel better i would always try to figure out why what i did wasn’t as bad as someone else. i’m not like so and so; they stole that car or took the person’s purse while all i did was take a candy bar. or i would say, well i only took this and not that - no one would miss it, that company makes plenty money.
i only sold small amounts of drugs and wasn’t like those other dealers, moving huge quantities. what harm am i causing? it’s only to the people i know.
as crazy as that sounds, these were actual conversations that i would have with myself and others. 1) it was a lie - to myself and those i hurt; 2) perhaps i was more sinful because of pride and unforgiveness and being judgmental towards others; 3) i was unrepentant - felt i was not doing anything wrong.
whether large or small, sin is sin, and until we recognize its destructive nature, we will never be free. Jesus and The Word of God clearly tells us, doesn’t matter which sin you are dealing with, they are all the same in God’s eyes. simply focus your eyes on The Lord, let Him know what is going on, repent, and work to never do it again. also, not to judge others for their mistakes as they are no greater than ours regardless of what they did.
dear Heavenly Father, teach me to be focused on the areas of my life where sin is still an issue. please help me to recognize my faults and failures and not to compare my actions with what other people have done. in Jesus’ name i pray, amen!