As I write this the discussion of recession by our national press, our national leaders, and the gang around the water cooler intensifies. The mortgage crisis, increased gas prices, increased food prices, and more are creating a growing sense of unease and anxiety.
I am no economic expert but I do know a few things about theology. The mortgage crisis intrigues me as many Americans choose to blame the lender for their dilemma. Are people so unable to understand their personal finances that they cannot grasp their inability to pay a mortgage? Did they read the document they signed? Did they ask questions? Are we always victims of someone else’s decisions, motives, and plans? Are we ever responsible ourselves? The hue and cry is for the government ( in essence the rest of us) to bear the burden of their failure.
Gas prices rise but we continue to want gas guzzling cars, trucks, and SUVs. We insist on driving faster speed-limits than twenty years ago. Nevertheless it is easier to view gas prices as the fault of greedy oil companies rather than our own choices.
We have become a culture of victims, easing the pain of our guilty consciences, and dismissing our personal responsibility. It is someone else’s fault. No so, says the truth of Scripture. King David did not blame Bathsheba for bathing on a rooftop for his lust and sin. He acknowledged his own responsibility and confessed his sin. Paul did not blame others, his culture, or his circumstances but confessed to being the chief of sinners. John writes that if we confess our sin God is faithful and just and will forgive us. Not denial, nor deflection onto others, but confession, ownership, acknowledgement is the path to forgiveness in Jesus.
Does that mean we bear no burden to help those in crisis? Certainly not. Our Lord commands us to help, love, and care for all people. Even those who makes mistakes, sin, mess up their lives, make bad decisions, etc. After all, that is all of us at one time or another. Loving people is His command to us. His also commands us to confess, repent, and change. Only when I admit it is my fault…only He can forgive…only He can bring about change in my life (i.e. make different choices)…can I go and sin no more.
