Well, Michael Vick has plead guilty. As he did the sidewalks were lined with people that had signs and t-shirts reminding Mr. Vick that he is not only guilty but that he is a 'worthless human being'. For those that don't know Michael Vick is an NFL quarterback and has been running a dogfighting ring out of one of his Georgia homes. He has bankrolled the fighting and the gambling and 'allegedly' has even killed some of the dogs. Pretty nasty stuff. But is it so bad that a mother would dress up her 7 year old son in a shirt that read, 'Vick makes me sick'. I had to wonder what lessons on 'judging others' this youngster would remember. I still wonder why we adults haven't learned any lessons on judging others. Jesus seemed to be clear on the matter, but we haven't heeded the message for 2000 years now.
Mr. Vick apologized today in what I thought was a pretty genuine statement. It wasn't read or whispered to him; he seemed to be speaking from the heart. He made no excuses and said that he had found Jesus and wanted to redeem himself. Oh but you should have heard the sports talk show guys: 'Isn't this a little late?', 'How come they always find God after they are caught?', 'I don't care if he's found God, I want him to find the jail'.
We love to pile on people. I mean we seemingly can't wait for the next person to fail so that we can line the streets and let them know just how bad they really are; as if they are unable to figure these things out. I have no problem with Michael Vick finding God after he's been caught and convicted. What I have a problem with is people that think only 'good people' are allowed access to the grace of Christ. Are you serious? Is there any part of the gospels you people have read? Do you know there is a guy currently playing in the NFL that killed a woman because he was driving drunk one night? Yet many want Vick banned for life and don't line the streets protesting this man for killing an innocent woman and mother.
I am also bad about judging. Frankly I want every pedophile sent packing for life. I have no tolerance for those that hurt kids. But that doesn't make me right. In fact, I'm wrong. But we all seem to have our 'issue' that is a line-crosser. For some it's adultery. For others it might be homosexual behavior. Some think abortion is the biggest issue of the day and that abortion providers should pay.
I am repeating myself here but we've all got something. Everyone lining the streets denouncing Michael Vick has something in their life that is sin and is keeping them from God. Everyone of us has something in the closet that needs to be put out and given to God. Now, don't make the mistake of thinking that just because we all have something that it's ok to hang on to it because once you get rid of that 'thing' another will take its place. While that might be true, we need to constantly remind ourselves that we aren't perfect but we are expected to 'strive for perfection'. That means not sitting around letting sin so occupy us that we have no time for the One that has conquered sin and death. Admit your sins, seek redemption and move on.
Michael Vick will pay for his misdeeds. Aren't you lucky that yours aren't being broadcast on TV. How would you like to wake up in the morning and find P.E.T.A in your yard with signs? How would you like it that when you make your apologies and profess your faith in God, many will mock you and say 'too little, too late'? I'm glad that God is above His creation and doesn't respond the way we do.
I'm inspired by another Little Big Town song. It's called "Bones". The lyrics say it all:
You've got bones in your closet; you've got ghosts in your town. Ain't no doubt yeah they're gonna come out, they're waitin' for the sun to go down.
We need a reminder that it's not who we are in the daylight when we hold signs announcing the sins of others that matters to God. It's who we are 'when the sun goes down'; when no one is around and looking. You see 'your sins will find you out' is a phrase that we should all remember just as fervently as we remember the sins of others.
I think what Michael Vick did was horrible. I think what I did today was equally as bad in the eyes of God. I know what my sins were..... do you?
Little Big Town's song: Bones http://www.kstarheel.com/bones.html
