Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners. Mark 2:17

 

When the London Times asked writers for essays on the topic, “What’s Wrong with the World?” a Christian author sent the shortest and most to the point reply. He wrote: Dear Sirs: I am.[1]

A clear vision of our flawed and broken natures isn’t a bad thing. Let’s speak honestly. We’re prone to be harsh and petty, and we justify our mistakes quickly. We’re selfish, which can drive us to self-righteousness, cruelty, and apathy. As humanity, we desperately need love and mercy. Without staggering forgiveness, we’re perpetually headed for war and destruction.

The truth of Jesus and His love and forgiveness for everyone who wants it is very good news for bad people. If we didn’t need forgiveness, if we didn’t need healing, if we were already perfect, it would be an anticlimactic announcement, much like the offer of a cool drink of water to someone who isn’t thirsty. But, if a cool drink is offered to a man staggering through the desert, that’s the answer to what’s been paining him!

Realizing your own need for God is not a bad thing. We need to come to this realization before we can receive what God wants to give us! It’s why Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Mark 2:17).

This is God’s offer to us: “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!” (John 7:37-38) If you need love, forgiveness, and help, it is waiting for you in the arms of Jesus.

[1] Yancey, Philip. Soul Survivor: How Thirteen Unlikely Mentors Helped My Faith Survive the Church. WaterBrook, 2003, p. 58.