Contrition

Contrition, humility, openness, brokenness, vulnerability, submission - these are the things that must characterize the Christian's life. It isn't perfection, production or holiness that should define us. An increasing level of devotion and a steadily increasing change in our hearts and actions? Yes, but absolute holiness is impossible. My life, my body, my mind, will always bear the marks of my fallen state.

The key, rather, is to be at all times vividly aware of my weaknesses, my shortcomings and my need for the Lord. Especially when I sin, it is important to immediately run back to God and let Him straighten my posture. It isn't that sin isn't a problem - it is THE problem. But it is a problem that has been dealt with, at least in the spiritual realm. So, knowing the presence of Christ and His completed sacrifice, we should hastily return to throne of God and let Him correct us. "A contrite spirit, Oh Lord, you will not despise." (Psalm 51)

I know first hand the damage that is done to my relationship with God, and consequently, all of my relationships, if I put off dealing properly with my sin.

Under NO circumstances will we be turned away by God if our spirit is truly contrite! Hebrews 10:14: "...because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." The work before God has been done - we can approach Him at all times. In actuality we still sin, yet spiritually we have been cleaned. As Luther said, "we are like snow covered dung." Ephesians says, "God...made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." (2:5)

Maybe these thoughts aren't profound at first - yet I think it is a shame when the profound truths of the gospel become dull. But the more I think about this stuff, the more profound it becomes.

This attitude, too, is a more effective way of dealing with sin than all the focus and effort we often exert in avoiding it. Not that we shouldn't avoid it, but it is not as though we must overcome all sin before we are accepted. Rather, we should continually bring it before God, knowing of His power to forgive, cleanse, and renew.