Good Morals

The good moral man is life’s most tragic figure. The poor fellow does no wrong to anyone but himself. He would never think of stealing from his neighbor or lying to a friend. Yet daily, the good he does steals his chance for redemption because it deceives him into thinking redemption is unnecessary. It is not that this man cannot see his sins or ignores his faults. The trouble is that he doesn’t see them as a hindrance.

The scriptures call Christ both the chief cornerstone and the stumbling block of faith. As the gracious friend of sinners, He is the rock of their salvation. But to those out to establish their own righteousness, He is the great occasion to stumble. There are those who cannot imagine or tolerate goodness beyond their own reach. They would deny its existence than admit to failing to achieve it.

All who attempt to reform the soul are doomed to failure. Christianity is not about reform or compliance with rules. It is heartbreaking, but not rare to see Christians fail to achieve the absolute image of Christ. Exchanging a sinful, human nature for a vibrant, sinless one doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lifetime and it is only when the natural life fades that the power of sin is broken and supplanted by the power of the Spirit.