Thank God that I am not Him.
Really, you should thank Him for this.
A few weeks ago I was driving around town taking care of some errands when
an announcement came over the radio that an online child pornography
"business" was being shut down and its operators prosecuted. Then they
reported something that nearly caused me to have a wreck out of disgust
and anguish. You see, part of this online child porn ring included
videos of abuse occurring on children younger than 18 months old. My gut
wretched at such horrific news.
I turned off the radio, rage began to still in my spirit for
these criminals. Sadness over took me as I though of the innocent
children. I whispered to God that it was good
that I am not Him. My anger burned hot against these sexual predators. I
asked God how He could withhold His wrath from men like these. How
could He stand silent as these abusers performed their horrible acts of
violation on these precious, young children? I whispered these thoughts
of pain and confusion throughout the remainder of my day.
God hasn't specifically answered my questions... yet. But He did
remind me of something that I far too often fail to remember: I am
no less broken and in need of God's grace than those child abusers.
Oh, I like to see myself in a different light, placing myself 'higher
up the chain' of degenerates, but the truth remains: I need God's grace
just as much as anyone else.
It's hard for me to look at men like those involved in this child
porn business and not think of myself as "better" than they are. I
cringe and wince at the idea of God showing mercy and forgiveness to
them for such acts of brutality and perversion. I want God to strike
those men dead, with no hope of redemption. But to damn men is to
assume a role I was never intended to have. I am not God.
I don't understand why God chooses to show mercy to those who are
unmerciful or kindness and grace to the cruel. But I do know this: He
has shown mercy and grace to me; a needy, selfish, and sometimes cruel
human being. While I may not behave the same as those abusive men, my
sin is no 'better' than theirs...
Aren't you thankful that I am not God?
I am...
Ron
The Mind Bender
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