As I was showering, I washed my knee and felt a pain. I looked down and saw a small scrape on the top of my kneecap. “When did I do that?!” I wondered. I thought back over the past 24 hours or so. Seems like I remembered hitting my knee on something somewhere but I have no real idea what I did. It’ll probably be gone in a couple of days, completely forgotten.
However, remember the bragging match among the fellas in “Jaws?” That evening on the boat, waiting for the shark to take their bait, they began comparing scars and bragging about how they got them. Though they’re mostly faded, I have two special scars. First, while wandering the rural Missouri countryside with my cousins one summer, they spontaneously decided to go for a swim in a ditch. Something was hidden in the muddy water and I got a cut on my ankle. (I also got a scolding from my Grandma who didn’t know where I was!) A little, straight line reminded me of that adventure. Another time, exploring London with DaLee, I was running my hand along a stone, bridge wall when I got too close and scraped my knuckle. A small, discolored spot reminded me of our trip to Europe.
Sin can do us the same way. Sin can scrape, bruise, or cut us – sometimes before we even know it. Some sin scars are outward and visible like a battered body caused by a drug addiction or other unhealthy lifestyle choices. Other physical scars are inside like body organs that are ruined from chemical or other abuses. Some scars hurt more than they show like a broken heart or distrusting spirit or crushed hope. Sin is action against God. Sin scars are not badges of honor but sad memories of choosing our own way. Peter reminds us that Jesus is holy and He calls us to be holy. Seeking Him, we should work to avoid sin in the first place, and then we don’t have to worry about the scars left behind!
Until our next togethering,
love ya,
Bret
