Friends in Christ,
Lately, I've had some help battling the gopher and moles in my backyard. There are two types of pest control products available for this. Some tools help with removal (traps and smoke bombs) and others are better equipped to deter pests from returning (sonic devices and lawn treatments).
In a similar way, Jesus equips you and I with tools to deal with the pest of sin. Making confession and receiving forgiveness is how he removes sin from our lives. Other tools deter sin from entering our lives again. These include accountability to brothers and/or sisters in Christ; strength given in the Lord's Supper, and prayer; and the presence of his law in our hearts.
I don't imagine the deterrents of high frequency noises or irritating chemicals will keep pests out of my yard forever. The traps will likely come back at some point to remove critters once again. Similarly, our heavenly Father expects to return to your life and mine to remove sin. He will continually bring the forgiveness won by his Son's death on the cross to put sin to death in your life. Thanks be to God for his tools of grace!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Here for you,
Matt Behrens, Pastor
| |
