GEORGE GORDON LIDDY
A man by the name of George Gordon Liddy was the mastermind behind the first break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate building in 1972. Because of his role in this, Liddy served 4 ½ years in prison. Once he was released from prison, this was a statement he made, “I have found within myself all I need and all I ever shall need. I am a man of great faith, but my faith is in George Gordon Liddy. I have never failed me.”
This statement reminds me of many of the people’s attitudes in Romans. As Paul was writing the book of Romans, he was trying to get his listeners to understand that both Jew and Gentile have sinned (Ch. 1-3), that they cannot keep the law good enough to be considered righteous (Ch. 7), and without God, they are lost in sin (3:21-23). Therefore, they have nothing to boast about in themselves (3:27; 4:2; 5:2, 3, 11; 11:18). They have not done, and cannot do, anything that could earn their salvation. They can only be saved because of God’s wonderful kindness and grace.
George Liddy may believe that he can find everything he needs within himself and that he has never failed himself. But there is at least one area he has already failed; the providing of salvation. George Liddy simply cannot save himself spiritually. It is very arrogant for anyone to assume they can provide everything for themselves. God even tells us that He provides for all our other needs, not that we provide it ourselves. Liddy has already failed in saving himself spiritually. In fact, we all have. However, many of us realized this humbling thought and submitted to God’s commands which resulted in undeserved salvation.
Salvation is nothing unearned. If we received what we earned, we would all receive death (Romans 6:23). Let’s make sure we keep our arrogance in check. We too cannot save ourselves. We all desperately need God’s help. Let’s always remember the humbling thought that we simply cannot do enough or be good enough to deserve salvation from God, but that out of His goodness and grace, He has blessed those who believe in Him and follow His commands. Romans 3:21-23, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
–Brett Petrillo