I was out for a relaxing afternoon run (jog) last week and was enjoying the weather and exercise when I was unexpectantly reminded of depravity and my need for a Savior. For some reason I was hearing car alarms going off, either inadvertent triggering or someone ‘arming’ their vehicle. At any rate, throughout the first 20 minutes or so of my run it seemed like I was being inundated by the assertive beeps of car alarms.
This got me thinking about depravity; perhaps this was officially triggered by the old lady who gave me the crook eye and locked the doors. We live in a world where virtually every car owner has an alarm and they are rarely left unengaged when leaving the car.
However, if you were to walk up to many of these same people and ask them about the moral nature of humanity most would say that we are “good, for the most part”. This just demonstrates the kind of logical mental contradiction that so many of us operate within. We know how we must survive in this world, but at the same time we know how we must survive under the assault of an active conscience. We do not suppress the truth of depravity in view of our treasures, but at the same time, ironically in demonstration of our own depravity, we suppress the truth of our moral condition in order to assuage our accusing conscience.
As a result I have begun trying to redeem those irritatingly intrusive beeps and use them as quick mini-sermons proclaiming my own depravity and need for a Savior. It is as if the lady at the shopping mall who hits the ‘lock’ button is saying to me, “Hey E, I know your heart. You have the potential to lift this Escalade if you were so inclined.” And I silently respond back, “You are absolutely right. But thankfully, my glorious and gracious Savior has by his abundant grace, purchased me and likewise by his grace, has made me zealous for good works (Tit. 2.14).”
Join me in rejoicing in Christ’s abundantly sufficient gift of new life, knowing from what you have been rescued. Aim to do this without ceasing, and if you forget, listen for the alarm to remind you.