Disentangled

G.K. Chesterton was once asked what was wrong with the world, and he responded, “Dear Sirs, I am.” Chesterton is in good company. In the gospel invitation this morning from 1 Timothy, Paul competes with Chesterton saying, “Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Each of us could submit an application for the worst sinner along with Paul and Chesterton. Our hearts are quick to wander and walk in darkness rather than light.  In the sermon text from 2 Corinthians, Paul admonishes us to have no fellowship with darkness. Christ has called us out of darkness into light. Because of this reality, we must live differently. We must be cleansed from every defilement of the body and spirit and live in the joy of the Lord. Christ alone is our portion and our love. There’s nothing on earth that deserves our joys like our God. The High King of heaven is first in our hearts, and He blots out our transgressions.  When our idols are crushed, God’s holy Word becomes our delight. We are not like the wicked who fall and perish—we are the bride of Christ and God’s holy and free children. This morning Christ calls us to lay down our idols and cling alone to Him knowing that our holiness can only be found in Him. If we are Zion’s children, then we ought to forsake the pleasures of the world and glory in His name. —Emma Marsh