Psalm 53

Psalm 53

This Psalm and Psalm 14 are very similar.  The subject of human evil is a nearly inexhaustible subject.  The source of evil is, at its root, a denial of God.  We are apt to apply this to the lives of dictators, exploitative captains of industry, or leaders of criminal organizations.  But perhaps we ought to apply this a little closer to home.  When I sin, I do so either by intentional choice or by drifting, under the influence of the world, the flesh, or pride, I am denying God.  I cannot in the same moment hate someone and submit to God, who calls me to love even my enemies.  In fundamental ways, purity and lust, truth and lies, and generosity and greed are so incompatible as to make the act of sin a statement of, in practical terms, atheism.

Perhaps rather than consider this Psalm a rebuke for wicked monsters in our world, I ought to take it as a confrontation to that part of my heart that still wants to harbor sin.  When I act sinfully because I think it is a solution, in that moment and space I say there is not a God and I am free to do as I will.

“Lord, never allow me to confess You with my words but deny You with my deeds. AMEN”