“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
A popular radio talk show host taught me a very important lesson when he said, “Words mean things”. As simple the statement is you have to agree words should be chosen carefully to communicate your message. His lesson continues to challenge me to never skim over a word again.
I applied this method when studying the Word of God and discovered the smallest words possess the most powerful significance. The word ‘all’ in this passage means every human being—no exceptions.
‘Have sinned’ implies we’re already sinners. I used to battle this truth because I would have liked to have had a say in Eve’s decision to disobey God. Why should I pay for what she did? My question only traps me in the same blame argument she found herself in. Blame only deafens us to God’s love, grace, and provision in spite of our sin. Like Eve…we’re tempted but we don’t have to choose sin. We can say no and walk away.
Notice degrees of sin are not mentioned for sin is sin to a perfect God. Eve’s teeny-weeny taste trickled down into our daily lives. What she thought was harmless actually changed the course of God’s plan for all humanity. No sin is harmless.
Today we have sophisticated sin by giving them fancy labels, which carry little accountability. Hiding in our destructive comfort zones is cozier. Personal responsibility is just too risky. Nobody wants to admit a weakness. How many times have you said or heard someone say with shrugged shoulders, “I am who I am”?
Don’t allow a ‘letter’ to keep you from knowing the glory of God? Take a close look at the middle letter in sin and pride. Could you’re worse enemy be you?
Romans 6:23 tells us “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We are sinners in need of a Savior to keep us from death.
Choose God’s gift of eternal life by handing over your deadly sins to Jesus today. He says if you admit, confess, and repent then you will be forgiven. Don’t you want to experience the glory of God in your day? Clear things up with Him…He’s waiting on you.
