Opus 2011-184, Christian Cliches: My Brother’s Keeper

People use certain phrases to escape responsibility and accountability.  One of those phrases is “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  Most people use it expecting an answer of “No.”  The actual answer is “Yes.”

In the Bible, in the book of Genesis, we have the story told about how Cain killed his brother Abel.  He did it in a fit of jealous rage.  It was totally unjustified.  Then God got into the picture.

(Genesis 4:9 KJV)  And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

Cain knew what had happened to Abel.  God knew what had happened to Abel.  The scenario here is to get Cain to face up to his sin. 

As in so many places in the Bible, we don’t know how the story would have played out with a different response.  What would have happened it Cain had said, “Lord, I have sinned.  I killed my brother Abel.  I am undeserving and can only ask for your mercy.”  Would grace have been extended?  Would the course of history have been changed?  Think of other places where repentance could have changed things.  What would have happened if Judas had repented?  What about Simon the magician? 

What about you?

So often we go through life in denial.  We are victims.  It is the other guys fault.  One phrase I found myself using tongue in cheek yesterday was, “I am a helpless pawn in the hands of fate.”  I respond that way too often.  I think that way even if I don’t say it.  How would my life be different if I would instead say, “I am a helpless sinner in the hands of Almighty God.”

What about you?

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