Tuesday, March 20, 2012

restored innocence


Refashion the face that I have spoiled, restore the innocence that I have violated.

We all have regrets. Some things are said or done that we wish we could take back.

The second innocence is greater than the first innocence. The first innocence is akin to ignorance. It is the innocence of not-knowing. The second innocence is an innocence of forgiveness. It is the innocence that is chosen because it is freely offered.

The phrase “unless you change and become like a little child” speaks of the second innocence. The phrase “you must be born again” also speaks of it. Jesus does not ask you to return to the first innocence. You cannot “unexperience” something. There is no such thing as “unignorance”. A void cannot be negated further; it can only be filled.

Jesus wants to fill the void. Yes, you tried filling the original void with things that spoiled your face and violated your primary innocence. But those things only decayed, leaving a void still. So, you tried other things, a different thing each year you got older. But they still decayed. The only thing that can fill the void permanently is a person of permanence, someone who always has been and always will be—someone who doesn’t die. There is only one person that fits this description. His name is Jesus. He’ll come in if you just ask him.

When Jesus comes in, he forgives and treats you as if you’d never sinned. You’re free, really free. This new reality brightens your soul. This new internal state is reflected on your face. Somehow, those around you can see a difference now. They don’t quite know precisely what it is, but you’re like a little kid again. But this time, you’ve chosen to stay that way. Don’t go and grow up now, whatever you do.

You must be born again. -John 3:7

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