Etch-A-Sketch Sin

I enjoyed my church service today, as the pastor had a unique illustration about God's grace and sin. He established that most of our congregation still remembers the classic toy "Etch-A-Sketch" (still available, but not as widely recognized today), and then said something like this: "Our sins are written as if displayed on an Etch-A-Sketch. You can do all kinds of writing, drawing, doodling on an Etch-A-Sketch. No matter how artistic, how geometric, or how raw the scribble, it remains your own masterpiece [in this example, your own sin, etched in your life].
The devil would like to keep your mind pinned on the sin you've experienced all your life, until your "Etch-A-Sketch is so messy, so scratched up, it ceases to function as it once did. However, God's grace simply turns your life upside down, inside out, and gently and completely erases sin from your life." We call this experience being "born again" or "brand new" in evangelical Christian circles.

I was reminded at how simple it is to God, to erase our sins, yet how hard it is for us to give them up. We are like the little children who stare at the well-worn Etch-A-Sketch, seeing the faint lines from their prior drawing, and wanting it back, after it has been clearly wiped off the screen. We are so stubborn to literally "turn it over to God." Yet, His Grace, is gentle, simple, and patiently waits for us to receive it. It isn't a payment, it isn't a reward, and it isn't even a gift we can give ourselves. Pastor Robinson reminded us today "God's Grace can only be given and received with an open heart." In essence, it has to be chosen by free will.

I hope as you enter this week, you will be reminded of the many times God has patiently waited for your free will, to direct your daily existence, piece by piece. He's faithful and never ever gives up on you.