Sherry Sharp

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV)

This past week I was looking through the Bible and the verse in 2 Corinthians caught my eye. What is “Godly sorrow,” I thought to myself, versus “worldly sorrow?” One thing I have learned over the years of studying the Scriptures is never take Bible passages out of context simply to make it fit a desired point. So, I read all of chapter seven to understand why the apostle Paul separated the two sorrows into different categories.

Most of the New Testament in the Bible contains letters written to the Christian churches in the known world after the death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven of Jesus Christ. The Christian communities were newly founded on the teachings of Jesus and some of those in leadership roles were at times misrepresenting Jesus. They had only the Torah, the Jewish scrolls in a written text and were being guided and taught often from afar by the apostles. Hence, the letters were written, such as Second Corinthians. In both the first and second letters to the church in Corinth, Paul teaches and admonishes the believers on how to live as representatives of Jesus. Paul also reminds the church that as followers of Jesus Christ they will endure hardship, just as he has endured. Understanding and experiencing the “growing pains” associated with being a Christ follower caused sorrow. But Paul explains that “godly sorrow brings repentance [change in behavior and attitude] that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” On the other hand, “worldly sorrow brings death.”

Every person has room in our lives for improvement. Change is often hard! Sorrow can be a motivator and when it springs up out of a desire to bring glory to God, the outcome leads to goodness and growth. “Worldly sorrow” brings condemnation that results in death of hope and loss of joy. As Christians, when we are willing to learn, our journey on the road to salvation will “leave[s] no regret.”

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV

Have you ever been to a carnival? Or, maybe sometime when you were on vacation you visited a “Fun House?” One attraction you might find in such a place is a set of mirrors that are designed in such a way as to distort the image being reflected. Depending on which way the mirror is bent, an image might look very tall and stick-like; another mirror might make the image look short and round. Such mirrors can be a lot of fun and make us laugh.

While carnival mirrors are silly and laughable, you and I as we exist on the earth in this realm of reality live with a distorted view both behind and before us. The smartest, most talented, and wisest among us lack one hundred percent spiritual clarity. God gave us His Word to help us navigate the way He wants us to live in this world, still we oftentimes venture off in a different direction enticed by the deceiving “gods” of this world, wealth, power, notoriety, sex, and the list goes on and on.

If we could clearly see what lies on the other side of heaven, I believe we would stay the course and never fall victim to the distractions that threaten to slow us down while we are here. Voices loom loudly all around us. Some of the voices yell messages meant not only to distract us but also to frighten us about the present and future world conditions. The Bible has never misrepresented our experience on earth. God created a beautiful environment that remains beautiful even now, but it is not designed or equipped to last for eternity. Jesus came to show us the Way that does lead to life eternal. During His earthly visit, Jesus asked all who are willing, “Follow me.” Then, just in case we do get distracted, He tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Will you commit to follow Jesus?

I would like to dedicate this writing in loving memory of my precious sister, Dianne Sweeny, who went to her heavenly home on January 6, 2021. Dianne loved Jesus and was always a bright shining light that led many to know and receive Christ as Savior. Her work here is complete, but I will love and miss her always until we meet again in heaven. From my heart to yours…Sherry

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2, NIV

Coming out of the year 2020, do you feel like you are emerging from “the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire…”? Maybe you do not feel as though you are emerging at all. Little do I need to list the numerous challenges most human beings have endured over the last twelve months therefore, I will spare you. But, as I read this Scripture passage, I cannot help but think that this is exactly how I feel. Actually, being honest I must tell you that as I write these words, I am in quarantine for about the third time since the whole virus debacle began. No, I do not socialize much, and never do I go out into the public without a mask and following every CDC precaution. My family members who have contracted the virus have done so after being in a medical facility. Let that sink in for a moment!

You and I are “in danger” every time we get out of bed, and for some, being in bed is risky. Recently, I heard a pastor say, referring to the six feet social distancing rule, “We want to believe that, this six feet will save us from (then pointing to the floor) this six feet!” Human beings are vulnerable to fearing death, yet, death comes to all of us at some point. I have read that the death rate from Covid-19 is less than one percent. Friend, the long-range mortality rate for humans is 100%. No one gets out alive! This is a reality and fact; it is a hard one and most of us do not dwell on it, but in Jesus Christ, leaving this world we can close our eyes here and open them in heaven; this reality should give us courage not fear.

Please go back to the Scripture verse leading into this writing. If you wear glasses as I do, put them on and look closely. I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Friend, we do not know when or even, if this pandemic will end before we leave this world, but God knows what we are going through and he hears us in the midst of it all. Look now and see what else the passage of Scripture tells us. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. The “rock” and “firm place” is Jesus Christ! Jesus is our hope and our salvation; He will rescue us from every storm.

As you wait for the pandemic vaccine to arrive, consider also receiving the only inoculation available for the “epidemic of sin.” Jesus!!

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

One thing I think every human being craves is having a time of rest and relaxation; we even have a well-known term for it called “R & R.” The funny thing is, when we are commanded to enjoy a time of rest, we do not like it! Think about it for a moment. Ever since Covid-19 invaded our lives, the “powers that be” have created the scenario where we have no choice but to “social distance” and in most cases, stay home. No, this is not a writing to pontificate politically; there is not enough space here, nor is this the right platform for such a message. The point I hope to address is how we have been given an opportunity to discover new ways to “Be still.”

I have probably shared with you in past writings that I am an introvert by God’s design. I say by His design because I do not know how this would happen, otherwise. Being alone does not make me lonely; it energizes me. Perhaps this is easy for me, because I have people in my life who love me and who I know would welcome me when I emerge from my quiet place. As an introvert, being in God’s presence is a reality every day, not just an activity I need to make happen. This may not be the case for everyone, I understand. So, my encouragement for you is that while we are told to remain more isolated from one another during the Covid-19 crisis, do not think of yourself as a victim of the wider government “shutdown.” Think of this time as a gift from God to rest, be still, and invite Him into your place of “isolation.”

As we continue our time of Advent, let us focus our thoughts on the Savior, Jesus, who longs to fill our spaces of loneliness, isolation, frustration, and uncertainty with His loving presence. We are never really alone; we only need to acknowledge the One who offers His peace no matter what is happening in our world. After all, He is the “Prince of Peace!”

Let me suggest you think of someone you have not seen in a while and write them a note, actually using pen and paper (smiling!). Encourage them by letting them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. In return, I pray you will receive the same encouragement from someone who loves you.

“Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14, NIV)

The year, 2020, has by every measure been a time of confusion, global sickness and tragic loss of life. In America, we have navigated one of the most contentious elections ever and still pay for the sins of our forefather’s who felt slavery was ever a good thing! Physical isolation has caused much heartache as humans were not designed to be chronically alone. Social media allows for both positive and negative results which rest solely in the heart of the user. Have I left anything out? I am certain my list is not exhaustive, but you get the point.

December is my favorite month of the year, perhaps because it is the month in which I was born (smiling!). When I was a child, this might have been the case but after seven decades on earth, birthdays highlight a greater sense of thankfulness, even in the year, 2020. As we begin our journey through this month, I hope we can set aside the time to think about a birthday celebration, not mine, but that of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please go back to the Scripture verse leading into this writing and read it one more time.

Since the time of Abraham and Sarah, God planned to visit the world. No one knew how or when but His promise, though little understood at the time was anticipated for centuries. Then, in a stable meant for the keeping of animals, the Savior of the world was born! Today, in remembrance, Christians celebrate this “anticipation” through what is referred to as “Advent” beginning in the month of December leading up to Christmas Day. The dictionary defines advent as “The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” In Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, he says, God’s “favor” rests on men, meaning all people. What is the meaning of “favor?” Well, let’s go back to our friendly Dictionary. The word favor in this case is a noun, which means “An act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.”

Friend, in this time of advent, as we move closer each day toward the arrival celebration of Jesus Christ, whether you are physically alone or able to be in an earthly family loving you, remember that God has blessed each and every one of us with His “favor,” “an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.” Immanuel, God with us, came to save us!

With you, waiting with anticipation.

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love…he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103:8 & 10

“No”seems to a word for which our culture has little patience. When was the last time you were denied something you wanted or received a decision you did not like? What was your reaction? Did you accept the outcome graciously and move on, or did you become disgruntled and frustrated? As I watched the widespread breaking in and looting of businesses across our country in real time I might add, countless individuals were all but waving to the rolling camera’s as they brazenly stole merchandise, walking over broken glass leaving the premises. Those who were willing to be interviewed said they were entitled to take what they wanted! How does anyone justify this action?

Commercials on television are oftentimes more valuable than scheduled programs. Recently, I watched a one-minute timeslot with Franklin Graham, where he expressed God’s love for people even though we are sinners by our human nature. He shared that although we deserve God’s wrath, Jesus Christ died for our sinfulness, enduring our penalty on the cross before God. Immediately following Franklin Graham was another commercial featuring a famous retired athlete speaking on behalf of a government program that he touted offered services to which people were “entitled.” He said, “Get what you deserve, because it’s free!

I was so struck by the glaring difference in tone of the two messages. One messenger was smiling as he enticed the viewers to “call right away” to make sure you are getting everything you deserve; the other messenger encouraged the viewers to pray and thank Jesus for the cross.  Friend, you may not like hearing what I’m going to say but it comes from a place of love, not deception. If God gave you and me what we “deserve,” what we are “entitled to,” we would find ourselves on our faces before Him. This is a hard truth; it is not meant to drag us down, rather it should remind us of God’s immeasurable grace in light of the truth. Will you thank God, today, for your very life? It is free to you, and to me, but it cost Jesus dearly!

“For when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10, NIV).