Guess Who?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Bible is personally applicable and powerful, being the Word of God.  All written in the scriptures is for our learning and edification:  that all people might know their Creator and experience an everlasting, loving relationship with Him.  There are numerous good and bad examples of people who trusted God, a realistic picture of humanity without any attempt to veil flaws.

Apart from the life of Jesus Christ, there are far more bad examples and failures observed in people who trust God than good ones.  It does not require the learning of a brilliant theologian to discern inconsistencies, errors, and major faults in God's people:  they are clear for all to see.  It seems when we are first born again we scratch our heads when we read of the disobedience, rebellion, and stiff-necked stubbornness seen in God's people.  How their stupidity annoys us!  How ridiculous is their poverty of faith!  Their failures are so blatantly foolish it even strikes us as humorous.  How could someone be so weak and shortsighted to make the same mistakes again and again and again?

Do you really want to know the answer?  It is not a hard question from God's perspective.  The answer is simply, me and you.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  The inconsistencies and hypocrisy we see in others are the same ones our hearts naturally embrace.  The biblical characters we view as most vile and disgusting are merely a mirror image of the sinful nature of our own hearts.  Without exception, all characteristics we disdain and condemn in others thrives in us.  "But I've never murdered anyone," you might protest.  From a biblical perspective, you don't need to physically shed blood to have murder lurking in the shadows of your heart.  God sees hatred (which is to love less) as murder (1 John 3:15).  The hatred which God sees as murder thrives naturally in all human hearts.  It is a humbling to see our sin enlightened by the Word of God.  In my flesh I perceive the disobedience of Adam, the envy of Cain and King Saul, the folly of Nabal, the violence of Agag, the hatred of Haman, the idolatry of Ahab and Jezebel, the greed of Judas, and the rebellion of Barabbas, the fearful denials of Christ by Peter - all rolled into one.

God be praised, for all who trust in Jesus are made new creations.  All who repent and place their faith in Jesus are born again and the Holy Spirit dwells within us.  We are then free from the shackles of sin and free to glorify God with a life which genuinely shines forth His righteousness, holiness, and purity.  Like Paul said, in our flesh dwells no good thing (Romans 7:18), but the glorious life and love of Jesus Christ can now be displayed by the grace of God.  The light of God's Word provides a clear view of ourselves in truth, and acknowledging our sins magnifies God's marvelous grace.  Instead of focusing on our faults, God looks upon faith exercised in Him with great delight - and counts it as righteousness.

So whenever we shake our heads and scoff the boneheaded decisions or inconsistency of people in scripture, guess who we are looking at?  Ourselves!