Being a part of God’s family in a spiritual community is supposed to be peaceful and joyful. Only when sin gets the better of us does it become a lonely place, with guilt and shame constantly conspiring to rob us. Sin causes us to mentally check out and not experience what God offers – pardon and remission. This is why in churches such as this (JOY!), we start our worship by focusing our gaze and attention to the place where our relationship with God begins – the baptismal font. The cross is held there as well. Before we do anything else in the service, we make our confession. It is with JOY! That I pronounce absolution for all of us. The fellowship of Christ reminds us that we are baptized into his death, and acknowledging the death we all must endure as our spiritual cost.

Sin is always the great deceiver, especially when it is fun and gives instant gratification. Standing together and yet in silent admission is a lonely place indeed. Our souls cannot hide from our Heavenly Father. The struggles and discouragement we carry are heavy, yes; but if we are faithful our straying selves are scooped up and returned to the flock (that makes for a great, comforting visual). The faithfulness of Jesus carries us across the finish line. Bad habits can be wiped clean. Make the conscious choice to let go, both in the privacy of your sacred space and in the fellowship of the worship space. Accept the mercy and unconditional love that are freely given.

Pastor Art