It was just a little error

It happened this morning during the opening praise and worship song. The band played and the congregation started singing. The second phrase, which was supposed to be "Join with the Heavens", was missing one little, tiny, small thing - the "n" in the word Heavens. The new phrase was "Join with the Heaves".  Needless to say (but I'm going to anyway) at that moment I cracked up. I turned to Clarence only to find that he was struggling to hold in the mirth as well. Those around us who happened to miss the error in spelling must have wondered what had struck us as so funny. I don't know about others, but I smiled through the first few songs - the music team was undoubtedly pleased to see such a happy countenance in the midst of worship and praise. 

I've got to be honest though and tell you that, for my part, all semblance of praise and worship was gone because I couldn't stop thinking about how funny that was. It was one little error but it took my mind and heart away from what I was supposed to be doing, praising and worshiping our great God.  It makes me think about my life  - just a small sin, nothing big, but no matter how little it might be it takes me away from what I am supposed to be doing. Because of that one small sin my relationship with God is shattered. I can't love him the way I should, or worship him, or praise him, or serve him, or come to him in prayer with anything less than repentance and asking forgiveness. Isn't it great that when we choose to come back to God and admit our guilt, no matter how big or small the sin might have been, he wraps us in his arms and holds us so close we not only hear it, but we can feel his deep, joyful laughter - this time not because something funny happened, but because something wonderful has happened and he is glad to have us home.

Luke 15:7  "I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."