99% Honest

Recently we saw another politician fall into the moral pit of disgrace. We see this far too often by politicians and candidates of all parties. This one, in his mea culpa statement said something I want to focus on.
"being 99% honest is no longer enough."

Hearing about this I wanted to shout and sing. Someone is finally saying the truth. Being 99% honest is not enough. Being 99% faithful is not enough. Being 99% loving is not enough. Being 99% truthful is not enough. I could go on and on.

There are many situations where 99% is great. Whenever I received a 99% on papers I turned in while I was in school, I was happy and proud. Having a 99% effecient car would be great to have. Being right 99% of the time would put almost anyone at the very top of their chosen field.

But, when it comes to our morals, our faith, our eternal destiny - 99% is not enough.

Some time ago, I heard how one person thought they would be saved. God would weigh the good and the bad that you had done in your life and if there was an acceptable amount of good - you'd go to heaven.

That wouldn't be soooo bad if we knew that God graded on a curve. I think I might be ok if He only checked how other people did. God may grade on a curve - but it's a curve that goes like this: 100% to 100% - passing. Anything less - do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars (from the monopoly game).

Being 99% honest is just not enough!
Only being 100% perfect - from birth no less - will qualify. Praise God that we have a redeemer - one who takes the test for us - Jesus Christ.
Through faith and trust in his saving work - we can enter heaven!

But let's think just a bit more on this 99%. How committed are you to our Savior? And how does that committment show up in your day-by-day life? In your church attendance? In your relationships? In your giving?

I hope and pray that the time never comes when you are faced with bright lights shining in your face as your sins are revealed. But I hope and pray even more that some day you will hear, "Well done good and faithful servant - enter into the joy of the Lord."

Pastor John