Isaiah got it, why can't we?

I read a passage the other day that pricked me a different way.

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.

That is the New Living Translation of Isaiah 64:6.

That means even the best things I could possible drum up for God is still throw away garbage.  So if our best is that, why do we think our worst is so much . . . worse?  There are not that many lower rungs than filthy rags.  I guess they just get filthier.

Sometimes in the public eye, there is a person who we thought should have it all together, that fails.  Then they fall and we start casting stones at them.  We are shocked at their sins.  We can't believe we supported them, or purchased their movie or record or book.  Are we really that surprised that they sinned?

Am I surprised when I sin?  It is no surprise to me that I am infected and impure.  The very best I can do is present my disgusting filth to God and ask Him to make it 'white as snow'. (Isaiah 1:18)  God knows all our junk. He loves us anyway.  So when we are presented with someone else's junk - we should offer the same.  After all, our mothers taught us this when we were kids:

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."  Matthew 7:12

What made me think of all this?

Fear never wrote a book.

Courage did.  Faith did.

Those are the words of Max Lucado.  You can take the words 'wrote a book' out and put in anything you want... started a business, dealt with a painful past, repaired a broken marriage, admitted to a deep sin.  You know what you need to put in there. For me it is obviously writing a book.

I am not afraid to write them.  I am afraid to admit to them and make them known.  However I will admit pasting online a work in progress (or WIP for those in the 'Biz') was a huge step in the right direction.  And I'm not done writing it.  I know some of you may be wondering what is going on.  It has been weeks since I posted the last partial page.  However I guess I am taking a breather.  A chance to sit back and listen to the sound of hope as it rises up from the accomplishments I've made.  Sound cheesy?

Well, here's cheesy for you.