Hosea 7:2
“And they do not consider in their hearts That I remember all their wickedness. Now their deeds surround them; They are before My face.”
I’m not sure why this is so, but it is. We excuse our misdeeds. A psychologist would say it’s our defenses. Meaning it’s too overwhelming to know our guilt is piled high. We start a new day trying to have a clean slate.
The verse describes our behavior as wickedness. We don’t like to think that of ourselves. Some of our sins are that. Romans 3:10-12 speaks of our state as humans, ‘As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”’ That’s a difficult description.
Very few would agree with this. Which explains why many don’t see the need for Jesus. Most think they are good people. They don’t apply the concept of justice to their thoughts and actions.
Here are some interesting facts about the people, Luke 7:47 is Jesus pointing out who the more grateful ones are when forgiven. “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little, loves little”. These are more ready to seek the Lord for forgiveness. Those that are more difficult to come to Christ are the rich (Matthew 19:24). The rich and the supposed good have this in common. In one sense they have been more blessed. One has wealth and the other has a good life. Both of these things are impediments to coming to God.
I can recall hearing an addict being desperate to remain clean. He would go to meetings almost daily. He knew how vulnerable he was. He understood the power of group meetings. My situation wasn’t nearly as desperate, but in my 20’s I remembered fearing my sin would lead me astray. I was kneeling in the dark in my parents house pleading with God to help. That was nearly 40 years ago. He has kept me. I could still fall. I need His grace.
I can recall watching one share the gospel with another. The former said the latter wasn’t ready as he didn’t see any conviction of sin in the listener. That was true, I could see her resistance in her face. The sharer said that if she would hear God’s laws, then they would see the need for forgiveness. It’s useless to share God’s love with one in that state. What’s more appropriate is Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
As we hear people talk we can sense their openness. We can also see their remorse or lack thereof. We aren’t to share the Good News with those who aren’t open. That is casing pearls before swine. They would ignore or mock it.
I was unaware of my sin before I came to Christ. When I went forward at a christian concert I didn’t know what I was doing. All I knew was that if I wanted to be on God’s side come up. He filled my heart and my mind. About eight months later I met a seminary student and we would meet at his house every Friday night for bible study. This lasted for about a year. We were friends for about a decade. I went to his church for about four years. That was a great time. Help us to share Your Word with others.