From 'Viper Lips' to 'Christ Within

Dear Reader,

Today I read from Paul's writings in Romans, particularly chapter 3. It's pretty intense stuff. He quotes from the Old Testament, and those verses really drive home the point about our human condition. I wrote them down to remember:

"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways."

And then in verse 19, Paul concludes: "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God."

Wow. It's a harsh picture, but it really made me think about where I'd be without God's grace in my life. Before I found faith, I was just wandering, you know? No matter what I did or who I thought I was, I was still under God's judgment. It's humbling to realize that.

But here's the thing - Paul isn't just trying to make us feel bad. He's setting the stage for something bigger. It's like he's saying, "Look, we're all in this mess together, but there's hope!" And that hope is Jesus. Whether I'm trying to be a good person, or following religious rules, or just living my life - none of that is enough. I need Christ.

What really struck me is how Paul uses this tough message to open the door for something beautiful. He's not just condemning us; he's preparing us to receive Christ. It's like he's clearing the ground so that Jesus can come in and make His home in us.

I keep thinking about that verse in Romans 8:10 - "Christ is in you." It's amazing to think about. No matter who I am or what I've done, Christ can be in me. That's the whole point of Paul's message.

Today, I'm grateful for this reminder. It's not about being perfect or having it all together. It's about recognizing my need for Jesus and letting Him in. Paul's words might seem harsh at first, but they're actually the beginning of something beautiful - a way for Christ to enter our lives and change us from the inside out.

I want to hold onto this truth. No matter what happens, I need Jesus. And He's here, ready to be part of my life. That's something worth celebrating, especially when I remember where I'd be without Him.

Until next time

Chaplain Mark