The Common Thread of Humanity

I find Malls to be interesting places. As I walk through them, I can’t help but notice the diversity of people. There are young people, old people and somewhere in between people. The diversity isn’t limited to age. There are also many ethnic groups represented. There are Asian, Latin, Black, and White groups. The different accents reveal there are also different geographical areas represented. Then, of course, there are the many different socio-economic groups evident in the crowd.

As I observe the wide diversity of people, I am reminded I share two things in common with every person that passes by. First, each one of us is guilty of sin and have fallen short of the glory for which God has created us. Paul made this clear when he wrote, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NASB). The key word is “all”. It isn’t some or many or most. It is all.

Later, Paul explains the penalty for sin. He writes, “For the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23a NASB). If I understand this correctly, since we have all sinned, we all are deserving of death. In Scripture death means separation. In this verse death is referring to a separation from God. Since God is completely holy, our sins stand between us and the fellowship He wishes us to have with Him. The news becomes worse when we are reminded that there is nothing we can do to bridge the gap that our sin has created between God and ourselves. We can not do enough good works to bridge the gap. We can not buy our way across the chasm that exists between us.

Our dilemma, leads to the second thing we all have in common. We all need a Savior. The good news is that God wasn't caught off guard by our disobedience. He knew that man would choose to sin. He knew that He would have to provide a way for the chasm between Him and man to be bridged. He chose to give His son for our salvation. John wrote, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John3:16). Paul wrote, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardy die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8 NASB).

Like each one who passes me in the mall, each one who reads this article shares the same common problem. Everyone has sinned. The important question is have we accepted God’s solution for the problem that sin causes? Have we received the gift of His Son in order that the chasm our sin has caused might be bridged? Have we received the free gift of Jesus Christ into our hearts? Paul described the gift this way, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). If you have not received this wonderful free gift, I urge you to consider doing so today. Confess that you are guilty of sin and that you need a Savior. Decide to turn from your sins with His help. Ask Christ to come into your life and to be your Savior. Commit your life to Him today. Only He is able to cure the one problem that we all share in common.

If you have made this decision and you know you have received Him and you strive to obey Him, take a moment to give Him thanks for what He has done and is doing for you.