EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH

“THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” GENESIS 8:21

A popular lie of today’s society says that we are all born innocent; our lives become corrupted by the trials of life.

God’s Word teaches quit the opposite; “ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD” ROMANS 3:23. We are made better by the lessons learned through adversity; not unlike our Lord, “ALTHOUGH HE WAS A SON, HE LEARNED OBEDIAENCE FROM THE THINGS HE SUFFERED” HEBREWS 5:8

Too many, too many within the church, I’m afraid; believe mankind to basically good, except when they are corrupted by culture or other influences. Such an attitude causes the person to be venerable to the possibility of sin, believing they are of better character naturally than is remotely possible.

“IF WE SAY WE HAVE NO SIN, WE ARE DECEIVING OURSELVES AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US.” 1 JOHN 1:8 One might ask if such belief is not a lack of faith. The answer is a resounding; NO! Indeed such understanding of our weakness is a proclamation of our unquestionable reliance upon the Savior!

“THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” The understanding of this reality equips us to understand our reliance upon He who is without sin. If I can be “Holy” by effort or “Righteous” by will; why do I need the grace of God or the sacrifice of Christ?

It is because my heart is deceitful, my ways naturally are wicked, my mind is in need to be continually renewed that I need One who is greater than me.

Sin comes easily for me. I am corrupt by nature. Salvation is the process that I experience daily. While God is perfect; I am not and so I recognize my need for the grace, mercy and salvation of God.

My recognition of my own imperfection also allows me to be as merciful toward others who fail; as I desire God to be toward me.

The man who falls to his knees and cries, “God have mercy on me a sinner!” is far closer to the Kingdom of God than the man who fancies himself, “a pretty good Christian”. As Jesus told the self-righteous men of His’ day, “I ASSURE YOU, CORRUPT TAX COLLECTORS AND PROSTITUTES WILL GET INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU DO!” MATTHEW 21:31

Those who believe they are good see no need for God. However, remember Christian; “THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” AMEN!