Acknowledge Your Brokenness. Pivot From There To Christ.

Here in the Deep South, we tend to point out other's faults as a mainstay of our culture, keeping a historical record along the way.

We do this in lieu of stating the obvious (log within our own eye) and allowing our focus to be therein.

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Why do we do this?

Living within this part of America has its traditions.  One of which is religion.  Lots and lots of religion.  Another of those traditions is being hyper discriminate.  This seems to have been born out of our region being the inevitable underdog.  Having to endure being in this position makes for a cagey outlook, especially as our world seemingly gets smaller.  

Also, there simply aren't as many individuals here, and as such, (whites and blacks) there's truly two distinct communities, separated by race (& much economic / educational disparities) as the clear dividing rod.

Less people equates to more opportunities to qualify individuals in great detail.  Believe me, I know this firsthand.  Think small town versus big city.

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There is a religious community of thought which celebrates the notion of putting one's focus on personal achievement, purpose and skill, and pandering to that success via the pleasurable trappings of material wealth.  All as a result of being blessed, blessed, blessed by God.

It's an approach that makes you look good and your notion of God too.  And this is supposed to encourage life change and faith in the unseen.  You might call it the "do-gooder's gospel".

Plus, it makes for a black & white understanding of who's holy and who isn't - if you know what I mean - based on the size of their bank account.

And then there are those who've looked deeper into the Scriptures, having taken note of a much more apparent theme.  That being restoration.

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Scripture is banked heavily on what's referred to as a covenant.  There's an old (w/ Abraham) and new one (Jesus, our messiah), and both are promises from God to his people.  And when it refers to his people in Scripture, it's referring to individuals fully known by God - every detail known - since the beginning of time itself.  In other words, before the creation of the world that he spoke into being - you know, "In the beginning...".  

The restoration theme is only there in order to put the emphasis or glory on God.  And this is the ultimate truth of what we as his people are to focus on.  His glory.

So how do we do this?

By having a very specific understanding of how we ourselves were once in need prior to no longer being needy.  Once in need of redemption prior to be redeemed.  Once in need of salvation prior to be saved.  

From.  To.  Without forgetting the From.  All the while basking in the beauty therein of our triune God.

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The ultimate question is this (for those of you interested in this restoration).  Do you enjoy sin?  [If yes, there's the necessary acknowledgement.]  Secondary to that question is this.  Are you interested in finding a way out?  [If yes, there's the quagmire.]  And finally, to top it off.  Do you have the necessary faith in Jesus to take that first step?  [Look to Christ for the faith that you'll need.  He promises to provide it to his children.]