Better Angels

Now, it’s a deep, theological point as to whether there is anything good in people at all.  Well, no it’s not. Paul said no good thing dwelt in the flesh, and no one does good. Not even one.  On the other hand, what about relative goodness?

The Bible does indicate that some actions are better than others and that not all sins are of the same order.  Take that those of you who say sin is sin! Jesus Himself said some sins are worse than others and that not each lost soul is worthy of the same eternal punishment.  All sin produces guilt in God’s sight, but there are degrees of sinfulness.

Try as we might to lay hold on forgiveness and grace, they remain emotionally at-large for most.  Understand what I am saying here. God’s gracious forgiveness is a fact for the penitent, but specters of sinfulness past haunt the redeemed.  As a matter of fact, the most concerned are likely to face the greatest struggles in the realm of “feeling” forgiven. This is entirely human and understandable.

Paul characterized himself as the greatest sinner of all, and I believe he understood grace.  Paul was touched by the depth of his sin in the face of a holy God. Among the many issues that concern me regarding professed saints in our day is the cavalier attitude many display toward sin.  It indicates a lack of thoughtfulness on the part of the convert.

It is not my point to exaggerate wickedness, only to point out that all sin is worthy of death in God’s sight (and should be serious in the sight of the saved) though some wickedness is wickeder.  By the same token, no genuine goodness can be accomplished by sinful people though some acts are gooder in relative terms.

Jesus testified that some people are better than others, and Scripture is replete with acts said to please God to the exclusion of others.  We are to aspire to better practices though our best efforts will not achieve perfection. There is no final remedy for the fallen condition except glorification.

It could be said that we see absolute evil and relative goodness in the race.  If comparisons are made on the strictly human plane, both qualities are relative.  Such being true, humility is in order rather than despair, and joy can be found in deeds which Abraham Lincoln deemed “the better angels of our nature.”

While Paul viewed his basic nature as corrupt, he also saw himself as chosen.  The affirmation Paul felt from the Almighty created in him a desire to live a life pleasing to God as He understood it.  Such a life is possible only through the Spirit and is a product of grace-fueled action.

Bob Dylan wrote, “It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”  Jesus said we are servants to whom we obey. Throughout our lives, we make choices which draw us toward or drive us from our professed master.

Words are one thing, deeds another.  Our thoughts and theology don’t matter much unless the rubber meets the road.  A dignified life can only be accomplished through God’s grace and yielding to our “better angels.”

Sterl