My friends, WE HAVE A PROBLEM. This problem isn’t what you think.
Yes, I watch the news and social media. I know the police have become the scapegoats of society and people are justifying burning and looting as a legitimate form of protest. But, that is not the problem.
The problem is one in which we hardly ever talk about and many mainstream preachers avoid preaching on.
This problem has been with us since the dawn of time. And, while it is the problem, many deny its existence. This problem is SIN.
Yes, sin is the great big elephant in the room. Sin is the root cause of all the ills of society, and yet, our leaders won’t talk about.
Psychology and sociology will not even acknowledge its existence. I think the greatest victory the evil one has achieved is convincing so many people that sin does not exist.
Sin is at the base of all the ills that are going on.
If there is racism, sin is the culprit. If there is sexism, sin is the base. If there is hatred, abuse, false truths and fake news, sin is at the core.
Sin permeates every fiber of our being, and we cannot free ourselves from it. But, there is hope.
That hope is in Jesus Christ. You see, while we cannot cure ourselves from sin, Jesus can. While we cannot make ourselves right, Jesus can. This is called grace.
Grace calls for us to be renewed and reborn. It causes us to be cleansed and start a new chapter.
Grace isn’t about the same old routine, but about a new life and new hope.
As I hear all the angry rhetoric and see all the angry actions, I realize that sin is running rampant in our lives. Yes, I said our lives.
Romans 3:23, “For ALL have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.”
We are all sinners, and thus we are all in need of grace.
The key to overcoming sin is to admit there is a problem.
I genuinely believe that many who are rioting and looting are not aware that sin even exists because they haven’t been told. We are now looking at five or six unchurched generations.
Our leadership shows its lack of moral fiber and our media its complete contempt for truth.
Profit seems to be the focus of many and there is no worldly profit in being nice and decent.
I am fully aware that most of the people that read this article are followers of Christ.
I know that this part of the paper is not often read by non-believers. So, what I am telling you is nothing new. However, it is time for us to let the world know there is hope.
Hope comes in acknowledging our sin and then seeking forgiveness.
The grace that comes down is meant for us to start a new life, not continue in the old ways.
We just need to share this with those who do not know. Christ will save if people ask, but how can they ask if they don’t know there is a problem and a solution.
It’s time we showed the world that Christ is the solution. The world is tearing itself apart.
We, the body of Christ, can offer hope and healing. We just have to do it.
Thus, endeth my rant.
See you in church.
Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.
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Editor’s Note: This is a regular series featuring area religious leaders writing about faith, family and community. To participate or suggest a church, contact us at news@darnews.com or 573-785-1414. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the DAR.