thank you, jesus

The look on the man’s face was hilarious when he saw us driving his car. The look of shock on our faces must have been hilarious as well, since we were driving it without his permission or knowledge.

Since our M.O. was to steal cars and then return them to their rightful owners later the same night, we rounded the corner laughing once again at the brilliance of our strategy: Find cars in open garages with keys in the ignition, put them in neutral, roll them silently down the driveway, then start them up and drive off for a night of joyriding.

In fact, this had been the third time we had taken this poor sap’s car, used up all his gas, abused the car and then brought it back.

But we stopped laughing when we arrived back at the house and saw the owner of the car standing on his front lawn talking to neighbors and gesturing towards an empty garage. Apparently he had discovered his car was missing.

And now there it was, with two wild-eyed teenagers driving it in their direction.

Naturally I ducked so he couldn’t see my face—that was good, since the man knew me and my family well. But my friend who was driving didn’t have that luxury—there’s no ducking when you’re at the wheel. Fortunately he was a quick thinker and whipped the wheel abruptly to the right and drove across a neighbor’s lawn to get away.

Our conversation as we fled the subdivision to ditch the car was a bit odd. We alternated between, “Oh $#%&*!” and bursts of nervous laughter at what had just happened.

In case you're interested, that was the last time I ever went joyriding.

Whenever I remember how we would steal cars back then I confess to smiling just a little bit, remembering how stupid I used to be.

Mostly, however, I cringe. A lot. Especially since I’m pastor boy now, someone who’s supposed to set a godly example for others. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever shared this with someone other than very close friends.

Sorry mom—a thousand pardons.

Why am I sharing my dirty laundry today? Because it reminds me yet again that when I placed my faith in Christ and started following Him, God forgave me. As in all my sins. And yes, that includes all those times when I participated in grand theft auto.

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned.”1

So what’s in your past? Maybe even your recent past?

Embarrassed? Ashamed? Wish you had never done it?

Get in line—that’s the experience of all of us. But here’s the good news: If you’re a follower of Christ you’re forgiven.

It’s okay to be embarrassed, and it’s okay to be ashamed. And it’s good that you wish you had never done it.

But please don’t forget something very important: Because of your faith in Jesus it’s forgiven and will never be held against you.

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned.”

Thank you, Jesus.

1  John 3:18