1 John 1:8-9 – If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I think the term “career criminal” is common knowledge to most everyone. That term refers to people who choose to break the law their entire lives. They spend time imprisoned and when their sentence is served and they are released, they break the law again in some manner and are imprisoned again, if they are caught. What makes a person live like this? Since I’m not one, I can only speculate. Based on feedback, some are taught from youth. Some start from desperation due to life circumstances. Some from just pure greed or evil. Then there are some who have been imprisoned for so long that they don’t know any othe way to live. When they are released, they may feel lost, alone, maybe scared, and even insecure. They have no home, no familiarity, and no security so they purposely commit a crime so they will be returned to the “safety” of the prison. They have a bed, regular meals, secure shelter, and a reliable “family” atmosphere. Their definition of security. They don’t know how to function outside in the major community.
If we think about it really good, all of us are like the career criminal. Our lives start out being born into sin. We learn things that are against the laws of God. And because of that, our lives are set on a pattern of repeated imprisonment. We get into situations and then beg God to save us. He does and provides a way out. We give a sigh of relief, promise not to do it again and go back to our same old ways. Just like the career criminals.
But God made a way of escape from that kind of life through His Son Jesus. Jesus did not only pay our bail bond at time. But He served the sentence for us. He provided a way to be reformed so we could leave the imprisoned life and be free eternally. We don’t have to sin to get God’s attention and His help. All we need to do is acknowledge God’s existence and that He loves us. We must believe that Jesus is His Son and that He paid the price and served our time. To repent from our sins and turn from our old, learned ways. Then ask Him to be our warden for life. He is up for the job.
Lord, Thank You for doing the hard thing for me. You saw what I needed and prepared for the prison doors to be opened. Help me to show my gratitude by always living my life to reflect You. Amen