Thursday; September 6


          In 1972 Luther Ingram hit the charts with the soulfully-charged song, “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right”.  Through the years, the song has been redone by several other artists, most notably Barbara Mandrell who had a monster hit with it on the Country Charts in 1979.  The song, which chronicles a couple’s struggle with their adulterous relationship, seems to capture the dissonance in the battle between good and evil.  The principles in the song know that what they are doing is wrong, but for the sake of their relationship, they continue the affair.  They are willing to live with their consequences of their sin rather than change their ways.
          While this song might be considered “romantic” by some, it signifies a spiritual challenge that transcends sexual purity.  This type of logic – an unwillingness to give up sin because it feels so good – is present in every type of temptation from greed, to addiction, to abuse and beyond.  This song might strike a chord with a lovesick heart, but this type of mentality stands in contrast with the repentant spirit needed for forgiveness.
One of Jesus’ most constant themes of discipleship was a need to be willing to give up anything to follow Him.  There were times when He was very pointed in His call to give up everything to follow Him, but one illustration came in the form of a parable, “... the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46)
          Do we believe we are better off with Jesus?  Are we willing to do to anything He asks to prove it?
Think About It!

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