Dumpster

Dumpster

A dumpster is a wonderful thing. Technology can enable us to do all kinds of nifty things like having instant pictures, instant communication with friends and family, instant fun by watching Youtube videos and even reading instant news. But nothing is as satisfying as getting rid of stuff by having your own personal dumpster. Okay, here's my confession....my neighbor, an elderly woman who has since moved, had her roof replaced in September and the dumpster is still there. Would it be a problem to discard just a couple of things....would she really mind? I know, it's easy to rationalize when this tantalizing, beautiful receptacle of left overs rests within such easy reach. So, my story is that these useless shingles and an old shutter have been in the garage since we moved in 14 years ago and I promised the new owner that I would completely empty the garage.

Anyway, enough with that ethical dilemma. I'll draw a parallel in a moment. What I really want to discuss are the spiritual implications of this dumpster. Think about it. A dumpster can take all your trash and unwanted stuff. You can unload it and never think about it again. It's gone and you're free. Oh, how many of us need a dumpster in our driveway right now? I can guarantee that many of you are salivating at the thought. The bliss. The freedom. The incalculable benefit of dumping garbage and unwanted refuse...never to be bothered by it again.

Spiritually, we have a sin dumpster at our disposal at any time. Still with me. Did you get the jump? Because of Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection we can receive complete forgiveness of our sins. It is removed. It is forgotten. It has no hold on us any more. Now, just as throwing away that item that you had so long is difficult and you may remember it for a time, the consequences for our sins often remain and bug us from time to time. But according to Scripture, when Jesus died on the cross and we asked for the forgiveness of our sins, He took them on Himself and then literally forgot them. They're gone!

"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43

Many might say that this sounds too easy. What's the catch? And you're right there is a catch. To receive this forgiveness...to make use of this spiritual dumpster...you have to give title of ownership of yourself over to God. That's it. It's a huge commitment and one not to be taken lightly. God frowns upon any who try the partial commitment route. It actually doesn't work practically nor is it in any way satisfying. I'm afraid our churches are full of people who believe they are followers of Christ, but have never signed that deed of ownership over and so their lives end up being, in reality, no different than their non-believing neighbors.

Jesus promised us an abundant life. He promised to take away the guilt of our sin. He promised His Holy Spirit to live within us. And that's just the beginning. Why do so many sit on the fence and attempt to get the best of both worlds, when in fact, they end up being miserable?

The dumpster is available. And here's another catch. You can't use your neighbors. Dang! You can't dangle along on the coattails of your parent's faith nor can you trust that by just showing up in church that your sins are forgiven. We have to accept Christ personally and literally. He's ready to receive the garbage in your life. He's got a dumpster with your name on it.