TEETH

(Note: these reflections were originally from a conversation far removed from here in time and space, some years ago in a different galaxy, or at least some months ago in a different state. In other words, Claudia is a real person, you just don’t know her.)

It really is hard to have a conversation when you are a patient in a dental office. I’ve learned if you can get your hygienist talking before she gets her fingers in your mouth, having your teeth cleaned is a much more appealing proposition. Family and hobbies of mutual interest are good topics.

Claudia was talking and I was listening – what else was I going to do? – and she offered a phrase something like this: “We are all guilty of that.” Universal guilt. Now there is a weighty concept not typically discussed during a visit to your dentist’s friendly neighborhood office.

Is there such a thing as ‘universal guilt’? If there is, I have a rapidly developing personal fascination in a parallel concept of ‘universal pardon’. Sounds almost Gospel to me. And of interest to a broader audience than solely the lady who keeps my smile intact.

‘Universal pardon’ could be valuable if the “guilt” part of ‘universal guilt’ applies to me. And as surely as I have teeth, it does. In the Gospel message there is the offer of pardon for all of us. We experience forgiveness of our sin debt (guilt) when we admit our sin and turning from it enter a new relationship with God.

Sin is forgiven in Jesus death and resurrection as we accept His loving offer of pardon and cleansing. If you have never received this gift, accept it today as you yield your life to the one who makes Easter the most joyful day of the year.


Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBCApril 1, 2009