This is what the Lord says:
“When people fall down, don’t they get up again? When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around. I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”? No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle!”
(Jeremiah 8:4-6)
Read: Jeremiah 6:16-8:7, Colossians 2:8-23, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 24:26
Relate: Bruce decides he doesn’t want to be a guy anymore. So with a real big chunk of change for an operation and an announcement on the cover of Vanity Fair he decides to become Caitlyn. Now we are all supposed to recognize him as a girl and applaud him for his courage to make such a noble change. Don’t even try showing any criticism at this farce… that would be bigoted and narrow minded. He can become whatever he wants to be. Is anyone ever sorry for doing wrong anymore?
A man decides to take a knee during the opening ceremony of an athletic event as a protest against injustice. From the president to the average Joe across the street people proudly embrace their idolatry calling it patriotism in an attempt to shame this athlete and the others who took a knee with him in solidarity. It is easier to revel in our false worship of a colored piece of cloth and a traditional tune than to face up to the sin of racism still far too rampant in our world. Is anyone ever sorry for doing wrong anymore?
Every year more than half a million women, quite often with the support of their family and friends sacrifice their child at the altar of convenience. Those who speak up against the murder of these helpless children are branded uncaring social dinosaurs who have no respect for a women’s rights. Even many of those who do shout the loudest are the ones most guilty for perpetuating the appeal of such a crime because they would rather worship at the altar of their own income rather than promote the funding of the social safety nets so many of these women would need. Is anyone ever sorry for doing wrong anymore?
React: Like in the days of Jeremiah, the problem is not just that we are more and more prone to do evil. The problem is that we embrace evil as good and celebrate our sin as something worthy to be praised. We have for so long as a culture ignored our sin that our guilty conscience no longer works and we cannot even recognize just how far we have fallen. We now call the bottom of this well a paradise. Like a pig reveling in a mud bath, we wallow in our depravity.
How much of what is true in my world true in me? Do I still feel the sorrow and anguish over my sin that I once felt? Have I become so used to the ________ (insert sin here) that I have been doing for so long that I am now comfortable in it? Do I even recognize evil as evil anymore? Have I lost sight of what is truly, biblically good? Am I ever sorry for the wrong I do anymore?
Respond:
Dear God,
Forgive me. First and foremost, forgive me for the sin that I have continued to fall into over and over again. Forgive me also for allowing my heart to harden to the point I do not even anguish over my failure and rebellion anymore. Give me a soft heart again. Give me a heart that breaks and beats for the same things Yours does. When I fall, help me to stand and walk again. When I am heading in the wrong direction give me the courage and humility and integrity to turn to You again.
Amen
THE RIVER WALK 
Amen
That is the good thing about the Catholic religion & having to go to confession. It’s forces you to look at what life you are living and examine your conscience in order to make a good confession.
I agree that confession and accountability are both a key factor in true repentance but it is not necessary to be Catholic or go into a confessional to do these. Scripture makes it quite clear that all believers are priests and that we are to confess our sins one to another. It is not a unilateral but rather a bilateral sacrament that all of us are to participate in.
I’m not Catholic, and the idea of “mandated” confession seems a little insulting when the Bible says we have a high priest (absolutely my own opinion and I don’t expect anyone to be swayed by it!). However, I can see the value of being offered the opportunity to confess, to put it all into words that you can examine. Once I attended a church that had an alter call at the end of all three services during the week. Yes, acceptance of Christ was offered, but it was also a call to repentance usually related to the topic of the sermon. And it was an opportunity to pray for others who felt the need to repent, giving them spiritual support. I miss that!
BJ, your statement “The problem is that we embrace evil as good and celebrate our sin as something worthy to be praised. ” I don’t know how many times as I view news on TV or watch political speeches that very same thought crosses my mind. Although I am not an American we Canadians are not unlike you folks and there is no joy in that recognition. We all indeed have fallen to unbelievable depths of abandoning God’s ways. I am reminded of Matt 24:6 where Jesus tells us that “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Sometimes it feels like I am on a merry-go-round and I can’t get off. Luke 21:9 adds “do not be frightened or alarmed”. Our peace and confidence is not in this world, we sit at the feet of Jesus our Lord, who has overcome this world. Not a great time to be a Christian if our world revolves around what happens within our countries but such is not the case. Perplexing and sad, without question, but holding fast to God’s truth and plan is our goal. Thank you for sharing the truths that many of us also feel and acknowledge. Blessings!
Yes, this is a global phenomenon. I was thinking of examples of how it is true where I am currently living but the current climate between my raised and adopted homes are such that it would not be wise for me to be too critical.
Thank you so much for acknowledging that the black athletes are not being unpatriotic. Also, thanks for enlightening me on the fact that the way we carry on about standing for flag and anthem i a form of idolatry. I, like most Americans, just do it because I have been taught it from a child and I would be embarrassed not to do it. Great post.
Great post. There is a need to find the truth then hold our circle accountable. We live in a World of Information, which not always is true nor noteworthy. If more would open and share as you have, a change could be. Remember: Those that want to talk, may not be willing to listen. Pray for those souls. I miss Istambul.
Beautiful song.
Hey I respect your opinions and commentary here however I do not make the link between standing in simple respect for the national anthem and idolatry. It was one of the few things in our society which most people did together. Now this anthem confrontation has become one more way we are being shredded as a nation. That there is racism as well as adultery, thievery, murder and all the other sins in our society does not mean we do not have some appreciation for the ideas which stand behind the symbols of our flag and national anthem. This was one of the first societies that said we believe that all are created equal and which offered a shelter for the free exercise of religion. I will not ever cease to be thankful for those things which God has used to be a blessing in our country. We are flawed and my heart is to continue to pray for God’s Spirit to send an awakening. Be blessed. Pray for us here.
In the past people of a different race looked to America’s own principles to prove that they had rights like any other citizen. They didn’t try to destroy and rewrite those very same principles.
I have to agree that I wouldn’t consider the flag thing idolatry. For some it might very well be, but
I can’t fault people for being disgusted by such deliberate insubordination to the country.
If it were deserved, I would understand. But America’s crimes are not such that it would justify this kind of response. It’s because we’re behaving less American, and not more, that we have so many problems.
We disagree and that’s OK. It isn’t a key issue like the gospel. While I agree that standing in respect is not in and of itself an act of idolatry, the level and vehemence of those who protested those athletes action demonstrates to me that in far too many people that respect has crossed a line into false worship.
Amen! I really believe that we should ask our Father to show us the world and all of his creation-including ourselves-the way HE sees it. Tall order for small people, though! Very thought-provoking post. 👍🏼