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WHAT ABOUT YOU?"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:1-5)Our family attended an event a few years back where baseball great Darryl gave his Christian testimony. While the man seemed very genuine and sincere, I suspect that a great many in the crowd were not so sincere. It's not that I attend such events for the purpose of finding fault and pointing fingers, but it's not hard to test the sentiments of people, if you'll only listen to their words (Mat. 12:34). Their presence at such an event doesn't prove their sincerity; it merely proves their presence. Furthermore, their approval of and even rejoicing in the redemptive message is not evidence that that they are saved or even interested in being saved. I have observed through the years that many people enjoy hearing the testimonies of former drug attics, criminals and even famous people of the world, not because they want to rejoice in God's redemptive power, but rather because such testimonies provide them with an opportunity to feel self-righteous. That is, compared to Darryl, a famous athlete who lost it all due to addictions to drugs, sex, money and fame, they can feel pretty good about themselves. When listening to people comment after hearing such testimonies, I almost never hear anyone say things like, "Man, that really convicted my heart! God has shown me some things in my own life that must change." No, it's always about what HE went through and how bad HE became. Cleverly hidden beneath it all is the old serpent's hiss that says, "YOU are okay. YOU are a GOOD person, because YOU didn't mess up your life and cause hurt to others like HE did. HE needed redemption, but YOU do not. In fact, YOU are even a BETTER person for hearing his testimony and acknowledging God's working in his life. YOU, unlike most people, are VERY SPECIAL, and YOU are justified in feeling good about yourself.Jesus, as usual, had a different point of view. He knew very well this self-justification process that Satan uses in the hearts of men, so He said, "Except YE repent, YE shall all likewise perish." (Emphasis added) The issue isn't how God had to work in SOMEONE ELSE'S life to redeem THEM. The simple fact is that YOU TOO ARE A LOST SINNER and you will perish and burn in your sins, if you aren't washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. You aren't good just because someone else is or was bad. You are good when God MAKES you good through Christ. Until then, you are just as sinful and lost as any drug addict, thief or murderer on the planet. Comparing and contrasting yourself to such evil people will only reserve you a space in hell with them. YE must be born again.