January 2020
Text Box: Pastor's Thoughts I've heard it said, "It is easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission". The first few times I heard the statement I didn't give it much thought, however when I heard a pastor justify his behavior with that statement it got me thinking. In many cases the statement is absolutely true that getting permission is difficult. It means that someone has to come into agreement with our desire. Forgiveness on the other hand allows us complete freedom to do as we want and hopes that we are excused from the repercussions of our choice. So the statement in and of itself is generally true. However because something may be true doesn't mean that it the choice believers in Christ should make. Consider these examples if you will. Your child calls you from the local jail asking your forgiveness because they were arrested for drinking and driving. Your unmarried child tells you they are expecting a child as a result of slipping out of the house without your knowledge at night. Your receive a phone call from a friend who knows your child has been taking things that do not belong to them. Instead of coming straight home from the dance you find out your child went to a party where others were using drugs. As a parent, is forgiveness better than permission or is it just easier? Permission can be one of our greatest deterrents to misdirection and bad behavior. The same is true when it come to a Christian's life and their relationship with God. There are religious circles that promote a once in grace always in grace, the blood covers it all, sin excusing, do what you want to do, you can't help yourself belief that makes claiming to be a Christian as easy as joining a church. I have often wondered how our Heavenly Father feels about His children living by that school of thought. You know the "forgiveness is easier that permission", Christian lifestyle? The Lord urges us to obey His word, to follow the guidance of His Spirit, to ask, seek, and knock. He provides these measures so we can receive guidance, find answers, and gain access to His help; but those things requires effort. It is like asking for permission before we make our choices in life. After all He is a forgiving God isn't He? Why not do as we please and depend on His amazing Grace? Paul tells us that the early church in Rome was asking that same question. "What shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? I love Paul's answer, "GOD FORBID, how are we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" If you are one of God's children, I highly recommend you take the high road of seeking Godly council to avoid the pitfalls of sin. Seeking God's permission leads to victorious living rather than heading the devil's advice which urges you to go ahead and do it because God will forgive you anyway! God way has, is and always will be the best! Just ask Him, He will tell you so in His word! Bro. Danny