What Is Sin Hiding In You?

Years ago I had a young boy come to me to complain about how he had gotten in trouble at school.  Someone threw a paper ball at another student while the teacher's back was turned and this boy got blamed for it.  He went on and on about how unfair it was that the teacher immediately called him out for punishment.  After a short conversation the boy admitted that, while he wasn't guilty this time, he had been guilty in the past for doing this very thing.  

We are most often known for what we've done.  

I have a friend who was addicted to alcohol.  He's been sober a long time but still calls himself an alcoholic.   Another friend often changes the rules - mid game - to increase her odds of winning.  She is known, to those who have ever played a game with her, as a cheater.  If you've lied you're probably known as a liar.  If you've stolen things you're probably called a thief.  If you've broken the law there are those who know you as a criminal.  

The lesson is pretty simple, when sin is your NORM sin is how you're KNOWN.  All too quickly your sin: addict, liar, cheater, thief, begins to hide who you really are from the world around you.  Soon, all anyone sees is your sin.  

Jesus was always confronted with individuals others had labeled.  A prostitute washed his feet.  A tax collector served him lunch.  A "dog" asked him for a miracle.  (Dog was the term Jews often used when referring to Samaritans.)  That's the thing about sin, it tries to hide who you can become behind what you have done.  

That's why I'm thankful that Jesus SEES what sin HIDES.  Jesus didn't see a prostitute he saw a woman who would become one of His greatest supporters and who, along with her family, would be very influential in the beginning of the Church.  Jesus didn't see a tax collector he saw a man who would become incredibly generous.  Jesus didn't see a "dog" he saw someone who had great faith and might become a great evangelist among her people.  Other's may see what you've done, but Jesus sees what you can become.

Today don't let sin be your norm, make choices that affirm what you can become in Jesus instead of what you've done in sin.  

How can we stop looking at what others have done and start seeing them for who they can become?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!