Tossing Stones - Day 19 - John 8:1-12

February 24, 2012 • Leave a Comment

"Him who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Why, at times, do we as human beings compare others' actions based on degrees of how bad is bad and how good is good?

We measure sin based on outward actions neglecting the attitudes of the heart and, in some sick way, we actually feel better when we point our finger at someone else and say, "See I'm not so bad, just look at them."

Maybe, it's because we do not have a clear definition of sin. Maybe, we need to clearly understand what is sin, really? In simple terms sin can be defined as any action or attitude that does not give another person the "right opinion (or picture)" of God. Let's pause and read that statement one more time.

So, if God is love and I, as His child, am expected to represent him well, how then should I act toward all people, regardless of how I feel about them. The correct answer is I should conduct myself in a very loving manner, so people can understand God a little better. Why? Because God is love.

Isn't this how Jesus lived? He said, "If you have seen me, you have seen my Father." Jesus was showing us how to live a life free of sin. If we were to walk verse by verse through the first four books of the New Testament, we would gain a very clear picture of our Heavenly Father. Why? Because Jesus conducted himself in such a manner that God's very character was on display ... 24/7. Hanging on the cross, after having been beaten, mocked, spit upon, and wrongly accused, Jesus still asked the Father to forgive the people who condemned him to death. How could he do such a thing? Because he was perfect, without sin; he continued to "paint a picture", for his accusers and for us today, of God's very character ... a Father of forgiveness, even when forgiveness is undeserved.

I'm not sure about you, but I know my limitations and there isn't a chance that I can represent the character of God 24/7. I might also add, neither can you. Romans, chapter 3 and verse 23 reminds us that all people sin and fall short of the glory of God.

So, what's my point today. Maybe, we should stop focusing on "sin" as an outward action that represents choosing right and wrong (good and bad) and, instead, focus on representing the Father, as best we can, knowing at times we will fail; we will sin. Maybe, this will keep our eyes focused on our own actions and attitudes and allow others to sin, too.

Tossing stones might end and the world might see God, alive, in us.

Just a thought ...

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