Freeing Ourselves from Guilt Part II
This week the topic of guilt is on my heart. Earlier this week we talked about false guilt; and today we are going to dive into true guilt.
True guilt is when you REALLY HAVE BROKEN A LAW.Sometimes we behave the wrong way, knowing what we should have done but choosing not to do it. Other times, we unintentionally break a law without knowing it.For example, I got stopped for speeding, when I was cruising from a country road at 50 mph into a village speed zone. I had not seen the 35 mph sign that was blocked by tree leaves. Nevertheless the police issued me a ticket. It did not matter to him when I claimed, “But, Officer, I didn’t know this was a 35 mph zone.” I was still guilty. Another time, I was in a hurry to get to church and intentionally sped at 65 mph in a 55 mph zone to get there on time. It was Sunday morning, and I assumed the police were not out on the prowl. But he caught me. I was guilty. And I knew it.
In both cases, I had to pay a fine because I had broken the law. It did not matter what my reason behind my conduct was. I was guilty. It did not matter that I had a good education, or was good looking, or was driving a good car. I was still guilty. It did not matter whether I broke the law with intent or in ignorance. I was still guilty. And I had to pay the price for my “sin.”The Old Testament in the Bible describes God’s Law in detail. The purpose of the Law is to make God’s people aware of what the Almighty expects from us in terms of behavior. Scriptures also reveal people’s response to the Law over the thousands of years. Some of us actively rebel against God’s way. Others of us tend to be passively indifferent towards God and His right ways. Some close our eyes to how God wants us to behave, and consciously ignore our Creator. Others haven’t even chosen to know what God wants, so in ignorance we disobey God.But in any case, the person is guilty of a “sin”. And a price needs to be paid.So where are you at? Are you wrestling with false guilt and true guilt?Tune in on Saturday to hear the solution to our guilt!