JOURNAL ~ PsalmsSample

SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD - Day 2

It seems that we human beings tend to be polarized in our view of sin. 

At one end is the idea that Christians have to be perfect and sinless. We are to be holy because our God is holy. (True.) We heed the call to holiness, but then focus on being perfect rather than on having a relationship with God. We eventually break down because we realize that being perfect without God is impossible. 

At the other end is the idea that the human nature is sinful. (Another true statement.) At times, we end up thinking along these lines, “If we have the tendency to always end up in the mud even after getting clean, why don't we just live in mud?” There is a sense of apathy and numbness to sin: an “I’m-doomed-anyway” kind of an approach. Still, no connection with God.

Yet, here, David had a different perspective. One that is a much better option than either of the two previously discussed. Sin impacts not only our relationship with God, but also our relationship with others. David knew this. Poor Uriah became a casualty of David’s selfish desires. David’s children had issues. However, it’s interesting that in our reading today, David said that he only sinned against God. What can he possibly mean?

David was a man who had a close relationship with God, and he understood

that the most important part—and the part he had neglected—was his

relationship with God. 

When we are in a romantic relationship with someone (dating, engagement, marriage), we want to do whatever it takes to please the other person. Chocolates for Valentine’s Day, a dozen roses for birthdays, a new set of golf clubs for an anniversary, and so on. Likewise, when we —like David—are in a relationship with God, we should strive to give Him what He desires. And He desires faithfulness. 

The right approach is less about not failing, and more about constant pursuit of relationship. Yes, humans are sinful creatures, but we want to live holy lives because the love of our life wants that from us. How can we not want to please Him? We strive to be better even though there are moments we're not proud of. We pick up ourselves and try to be better the next day. And the day after that.