Pastor Sam Crosby
San Saba’s First Baptist Church
November 19, 2019
A children’s worker in our church relayed the story of a five-year-old boy in her Wednesday night group who did not think he had ever sinned. They went over the Ten Commandments and talked about how everyone disobeys God. She asked if any of them had ever broken any of God’s commands. With big eyes and blond hair, he shook his head in the negative and said, ‘No.’ Then suddenly he burst out, “But my sister has!” He went on to detail some of his sister’s flaws.
It is hard to appreciate mercy if you cannot acknowledge your sin. It is hard to be thankful for forgiveness if you never make a wrong choice. The need to acknowledge sin is the first step toward salvation. You have to understand your need for a Savior before you will call upon Him. This is why Paul writes in Romans, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The gift of eternal life cannot be received unless you first acknowledge your sin.
This principle of acknowledgement is true in other areas of life, as well. For instance, you cannot truly be thankful if you do not acknowledge that what you have is a gift. A Bart Simpson episode once showed young Bart leading a prayer before the meal. He said, “God, since we got all this ourselves, thanks for nothing.” To acknowledge that God is ultimately the source of all blessings is a most important step to truly being thankful. The Bible says, “And now, O Lord, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground” (Deuteronomy 26:10, NLT).
This principle also holds true when needing direction. You will not ask for direction if you think you know where you are going. Most folks have to be completely lost before acknowledging they need help. I am very grateful for new technology that basically tells you where to turn, stop and merge on road trips. There is a pride that inhibits asking for help.
And such is true with life itself. It is human nature to go our own way without regard for God’s advice. Many people have to hit rock bottom before they will look up and seek the Lord. I met a man one time who testified that he was in jail for the 26th time for drug offenses when he finally turned to Jesus Christ for both mercy and guidance. He had to humble himself before God before the Lord would pick him up.
Thanksgiving is a good season for humility and examination. It is a good season to take inventory of life and acknowledge God’s mercy and blessings. It is also a good time to make adjustments, looking to God for help and guidance.