Humankind: Born righteous? or evil?

As we've been studying the book of James over the past couple months, I'm reminded that there's much to work on in my faith.  I'm reminded that my heart tends to gravitate toward those things that go against the nature of God - tends to gravitate toward what is instinctively inside of me.

Which leads to the question:  Are we born righteous (good) and some evil comes out from time to time?  Or, another way to ask this question is:  Are we born evil and righteousness is seen from time to time?

From my understanding of what God has done for me, I understand that I am a person whose natural inclination is to curse, not bless; to fight, not seek peace; to satisfy my desires, not place others above myself.  Why do my eyes gravitate to the beauty of other women when my wife is just as beautiful and more loving?  Why do I want to rush to be first in line at the supermarket with a cartload of groceries when the person behind me has two items?  Why do I put the blame on someone else for the mishap when I was clearly the one at fault?   I could keep going on, but I think the point is made. 

Humankind is not born righteous.  We can only be made righteous through the repentance of our sins and misdeeds in the name of Christ's blood.  My natural tendencies are to do what is good for me.  God's tendencies, that He wants to see lived out in me, is to do good for others.

James 3 makes it very clear that man's (all humankind) nature seeks to devour and curse his neighbor, but out of the same person comes praises to God.  James says this can't be.  He says a grapevine bears grapes; a fig tree bears figs; a salt spring produces salt water.  But the problem is when humans believe they are basically good, they fail to realize that the only way they can be made good (righteous) is through Christ alone.  And once Christ's nature enters a person, there is a battle that must be fought daily between the natures.  Who will win out -  the sin nature we're born with, or the Spirit nature we're born again with? 

The battle between good and evil exists within all of us.  We start evil - we start selfish.  We can end up good by taking on the nature of the very Christ who saves us.  James says in chapter 3, verse 17 - "But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere."  James makes it very clear that these attributes come from Heaven, not within man.  And the only way these attributes can become part of us is to ask Jesus to make them part of who we are.  And the only way these attributes take over and win the battle for the nature in our lives is to nurture and practice them daily.  

Humankind:  Born righteous? or evil?  Well fortunately, God makes the path to righteousness for us through His Son Jesus Christ.  The evil nature within all of us doesn't have to win out.  It only does when we give it permission to do so.  So let's fight for the nature God desires in all of us - "the wisdom that comes from Heaven....."

1st Outreach of LHCH

Wow!  What a day!  Everything from having my 1985 Ford F150 overheat on the way to the Hedgesville Elementary PTO Carnival at 7:50 AM to spending the evening in a misty cold climate watching my two sons play a double header in baseball, in which they won both.  My day has been full, yet so fulfilling, even with all the bad stuff that happened.

Today, was the first of many to come of what LifeHouse Hedgesville is all about.  And it was so exciting to see Christ's servants come out to serve a community in which there are no ties other than sharing the love of Jesus Christ. 

For me, church is expressed in many forms, and today we did church.  We worshipped God, not with song or preaching, but rather by honoring Him through our willingness to reach out to the community God has called us to minister to.  It was so exciting to interact with children and their parents.  What a great turnout!  We only hope and pray that our light did so shine that people who are searching for Christ will remember LifeHouse Hedgesville and one day give us the opportunity to share His love with them.

I had so much fun!  And I was extremely proud of my "possie" who were there from start to finish with smiles on their faces.  Today they used their talents to further invest in the Kingdom.  And I know God is smiling on their efforts.  Thanks for everything!

Thanks to the PTO for giving us the opportunity to come along side them and partner with them in raising funds for the important work they do for the school.  We hope it was a huge success.

Thanks to Hedgesville Elementary for giving us the opportunity to reach out to the children and parents of the Hedgesville community.  We hope the approximate 120 biodegradable watter bottles we gave as free gifts to those participating in the carnival are a reminder, everytime used, that we love them with no strings attached.

So, today was a great day!  Thank you Jesus for allowing us to serve you!  It is the greatest joy in all the earth.