Saturday, September 1, 2007

Relational Redemption

This week has brought us the sordid story of Idaho Senator Larry Craig (R). If the allegations against him are true (and I have no reason to doubt the policeman's report, especially when Craig plead guilty when arrested), this is an example of how deviance and sexual perversity has infiltrated all levels of our culture. It used to be claimed that anti-social behavior was caused by lack of education or poverty, but that is being proven wrong time and time again.

From Brittany Spears, to former President Clinton, to millionaire socialites like Paris Hilton, sexual promiscuity, unfaithfulness and perversion are a part of the fallen human nature, not the result of social class-struggle or economic under-privilege.

The solution to this problem is not more social programs, more money spent on governmental education, or socialistic economic theories. The solution is in taking responsibility for one's actions, recognizing that we are sinful at the depths of our being, and accepting the payment for our sin and the promise of deliverance from our depravity by the redeeming power of God's Spirit. Only in Jesus Christ can we overcome sin and see healing to damaged relationships caused by our sin.

A good example of the redeeming power of God to repair a marriage marred by sin and unfaithfulness is the story of Denise Jackson, wife of country music superstar, Alan Jackson. Denise has written a new book, It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life, which tells their story of struggle and eventually victory through the power of God. I haven't read the book yet, but to me it stands in stark contrast with Sen. Craig's refusal to take ownership of his actions. The Jackson's story is a great example of how God will heal us when we admit our sin and seek forgiveness.

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