My father is a preacher, which means that I am a preacher’s kid. I grew up in the church. The church building was just as much a home to me as my house, and I was always surrounded by my Christian family who watched over me, got on to me, encouraged me, but mostly loved me. And for the blessing of being raised in the church, I have been told I do not understand what a life of sin can be like. I do not appreciate my upbringing. I take the love of God for granted. And that might have been true.

I knew that God loved His children (Rev. 1:5). I knew He sent his Son to die on the cross for sinners (Jn. 3:16). I had not always considered myself in that category. I had not considered myself a sinner or someone who desperately needed the love of God.

However God loved me enough to challenge me and show me the truth. I was allowed to endure trials and temptations. I was sent out into the world and came face to face with what a life of sin can do to a person. My faith wavered and then grew. I realized behind the facade of a perfect Christian family was a heart that wanted to sin, that could sin, that did sin. I realized I was no better than others, and for me to think so was to live in sin (Rom. 6:1).

All of us are sinners. We all fail (Rom. 3:10, 23). None of us live up to the standard that God has set forth. And yet many of us do not see ourselves as sinners. We do not realize the power of the love of God in our lives. Until we come face to face with our sin and our humanity, we will never appreciate the love of God. We will never be convicted to live for Him. Knowing the power of God’s love is knowing our own feebleness. We must put aside our own pride, and accept God’s strength.

It does not matter if you grew up in a God-fearing household or a God-hating household. Christ died for you. It does not matter if you have no marks against you name or a criminal record. Christ died for you (Rom. 5:8). The ground at the foot of the cross is level. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of the God. We just have to choose to accept our place.

Christa Bryant