Whatever Became of Sin?

     Written by Karl Menninger about 30 years ago (plus or minus) and a real insight into what humanity has done with the concept of sin.  Mr. Menninger takes us from the garden of Eden and Adam and Eve and brings us to even our present day.  Every instinct within man is manifested in our selfish desire to sin and not be responsible for that sin.  At the center of Menninger's theory is the belief that mankind doesn't really want accountability for their wrongs but want all the kudos for their right choices.  The Christian finds, when reading the Bible, that this is backwards.  We need to be accountable for our sins while giving praise to God for all those things right and good.  Imagine if you will the world if Eve had not listened to the serpent (Satan) and had stayed true to the command of God.  Where would we all be?  What would be the result of obedience on that grand of a scale.  Yet, under justification, and rationalization we dodge the bullet...or so we think. 
    All is not lost on mankind.  God has made us in His image and that stamp is on our very souls.  The enemy wants to keep us as far away from that image as he can.   The closer we get to that image, the more dangerous we are in our world.  Dangerous in a good sense as we are able to be more available and usable by God in this world.  The classic war then isn't between good and evil as much as it is between obedience and rebellion.  Different words but a different focus as well.  So many Christians act like being a Christian is a much detested job that they are required to do in order to escape hell.  While being a Christian (true) is the obvious ticket out of an eternity in hell, our lives are either transforming to the world around us or they are not.  It's been said that if you aren't being attacked by the enemy that you need to questions whether you have a relationship with God or not.  Well, do you?  How much of the image of God is shining through for the world to see?  Do your co-workers know you belong to Jesus?  Do your friends on social media know you are a Christian?  How about your family, neighbor, enemies and others?  Do they know?
     Jesus provided the means by which we can know him as Savior.  He spent his life unselfishly to the cross where he died.  Though tempted as we are He lived a life exemplary of how we should live.  The basic question isn't whether or not we have accepted Jesus but rather whether or not we have been transformed by Him.  The churches of the world should take note of whether they are passing on the message of Christ to the dying world around them.  We should take note of whether or not we are passing on the message of salvation to those around us.  When we license sin and bury the image of God that cannot and will not happen.  Why is it that we spend so much time avoiding the real issue of uncovering the image of God?  Do we so love the world we live in that we are willing to perish in order to enjoy the world?  Are our excuses enough of a convincing argument that we lead others on that same path to destruction?  I know that many of my Christian years were just that.  Sometimes they still are.  What makes the difference in our lives?  Is it living for self (selfishness) or living for Christ (selflessness)? 
     Menninger had it right.  We have utilized the worlds excuses to avoid accountability.  Why would we even think that this would be okay with God?  We have become a people (Christian and non) whose first instinct is to blame everyone and everything for what we think, do and say that isn't in the will of God.  Tolerance has become the rule for most.  The Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing.  Does my life and your life represent foolishness for God or foolishness against God?  It's my choice and it's your choice.  God awaits.