You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:11
Jesus came to save the world, not to condemn it.
As for condemning the world - we do enough of that on our own. Our own actions condemn us.
I am perplexed this morning. Yesterday, there was a big story in the local news about a young man who plead guilty on child pornography charges. The story claimed he had almost 13,000 images on his home computer, making his the largest case ever investigated by the State Attorney General's Office. This young man's actions have condemned him. Ten years in prison and a lifetime of scorn as a registered sex offender await him.
My heart breaks for him. He is a product of an overly sexualized society.
Generally, the first question I ask is: "Where were his parents when he needed them?"
Well, I know his parents. They are members of my Sunday School class. This young man and his father were in the first group at my church to participate in a father-son event to talk about sex over eleven years ago. I know his father tried to lay a foundation of knowledge and open communication.
What happened?
Somehow along the way, he ran off track. He made choices that were disastrous.
Lord, what is happening? The enemy seems to be winning an awful lot lately. Our own actions are condemning us. So much seems out of control. Christian kids are making choices that have opened the door to worldly addictions. There has been so much talk about this generation - about the moral choices many of them are making. There have been hopes that this generation could help lead a spiritual renewal in our country. The truth is: You are the Leader of any spiritual renewal. This generation is vulnerable to the enemy's attack - just as we all are. Father, hold my friends close to Your heart. Bring renewal to their son. Only Your grace can cover our self-condemnation. Pour it out today.
Make me clean.