Getting Used to the Stink

   There are a few Febreze commercials going around that go something like: “you get used to the odors in your car. You think it smells fine, but your passengers smell this (it shows a dog, or something that stinks). You have gone nose blind. Use Febreze to take care of the odors you’ve gone nose blind to.” Of course, I am paraphrasing.

   Well, now there is a new item out called Scriptureze. It gets rid of the stink of sin. All you need to do is put a Bible on your shelf; and that will get rid of sin stink. A novel idea right?

   It doesn’t quite work that way. But, the sad fact is most people in America have gotten used to the stink of sin. It may not be a sin that the world says is really bad. It could be gossiping about a co-worker, lying to a friend, or cheating at a game. All of these are sins; and all of them are equal in God’s eyes. A murderer is no better than a gossiper. But, it seems like America has come up with these “respectable sins.” The sins that are okay because they are not as bad as this. And, that is not okay.

   Another aspect of this is that many people consider themselves Christians in America. According to ABC News, as of July 18, 83% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. But, a few of my questions for them would be: “do you go to church?” “Do you read the Bible?” “Do you let what you read change you?” “Do you apply the Bible to your life?” Are you growing in your relationship with God?” See, saying you are a Christian is easy. Most people coast through life saying “I am a Christian” because they go to church every week. But, there is a difference between religion and relationship.

   The religion part of this is having a Bible in your house, going to church, maybe helping people at church every once in a while, being a “good person,” and tithing. Doing all of this is good; but if this is all “Christians” are doing then they are missing the point. Christianity is all about the relationship with God. If there is no relationship then we are dead because of our sin.

   See that is the actual way to get rid of the stink of sin; and it is the only way. One must have a relationship with God; and believe that Jesus died on the cross for his sins. It is a sad truth that many people miss this point. They believe that being Christian is basically a country club type thing. You go to church, meet people who can help you out, and maybe you help them out once in a while. This is totally untrue; and it is our job as followers of Christ to help other Christians realize they need a relationship with God. It is more than just doing the legalistic things in order to get your ticket to heaven. It is all about the relationship.

   So are you going blind to the stink of sin in your life? Are you just doing the legalistic things you believe you are required to do? Do you have an actual relationship with Christ?

   Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:27-28, Romans 8:31-32

   (Febreze commercial example link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU3AXM1Q8m4

   (ABC News poll link) http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90356&page=1