A group of people are waiting in Heaven for judgement, they have all been good church-goers and are sure of their place. As they wait, they see other people starting to arrive - people they know, people who haven't always been good - thieves, liars, adulterers, addicts, etc.
The first group become really hostile toward the new-comers and start asking them: 'What makes you think you'll get in to Heaven, you've led such bad lives?' The new-comers reply: 'We're relying on the mercy and grace of God, why are you so certain of your places! The first group snaps back: Obviously because we've led such good lives!' They pointedly turn their backs on the second group and continue to moan to each other, saying things like: 'Well, if that lot get in there's no justice, especially after all we've done!'.
Suddenly Jesus is standing there, right in front of them, he says to the first group: ' I understand you're wondering why there's been no judgement?' By now the first group is pretty incandescent and they cry out: 'Yes Lord, we want judgement, we want justice!' With an expression of profound sadness on His face Jesus replies: 'The judgement has been made; you have judged yourselves, by judging the least of my sisters and brothers and rejecting them, you have rejected me, therefore you have shown yourselves unworthy of the Kingdom of Heaven!' Phew, that's a bit heavy, but my point is that it's easy to look at other's faults and get a bit carried away with how good we are, I mean we don't do anything horrible to others, we support charities and are helpful - we live good lives. But do you know what - I'm a sinner, I probably mess up as much as get things right, I can be moody, sharp, argumentative and judgemental - the list goes on, I'm not perfect, in fact, if we look closely enough it becomes apparent none of us are!
When we accept Jesus' call, he takes us as we are - imperfect - but it is not His intention that we stay that way. In fact, He shows us the way forward, using Himself, the sinless person who faced death on a cross for our sins, as an example. By listening to his Word, by praying for help from the Holy Spirit, by accepting when we are wrong and asking for His, and others, forgiveness we move toward a growing relationship with Him.
Easter blessings and God bless,
Mark
