It's Me, 0 Lord!
A recent class in Personal Work, (defined, Individual interest in the souls of others;) was asked: "What do you consider to be the greatest hindrance to successful personal work?"
With variation, but without exception, the members of the class replied, "Indifference on our part!"
Of course there were other hindrances: a feeling of inadequacy, negative response in the past, general lack of interest in religion among people caught up in the affairs of this life, etc. But everyone agreed that the big problem is close to home. "Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me O Lord; Standing in the need of prayer!"
An Arkansas farmer once jokingly told a dinner guest: "I ain't got no table manners, and don't never pass nothing. You'll just have to make out the best you can." He was somewhat jolted when the guest replied, "If you know you aren't acting right, why don't you try to do better?"
That is a low blow, isn't it? Have we need for such a jolt respecting our relation toward God? Have we come to the point that we can boldly acknowledge our weakness -- maybe even make a joke of it -- and go our way feeling that penance is complete? Jesus' classic example of repentance (Matt. 21:28-f) says, "but afterward he repented, and went." AND WENT! What credit is one due, who recognizes his sins but refuses to do anything about it? The sin is compounded. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (Jas. 4:17) "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Heb. 10:26-27)
I know literally dozens of people who excuse themselves on the basis that "everybody does it" or "I don't want to be a hypocrite." Yet they are highly incensed if one accepts their self-confessed sinner status, and warns them of the wrath to come. IT'S TIME WE QUIT ACTING LIKE CHILDREN!!