When "Good" People Do Bad Things

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I was impressed about a week ago to write this post when I first saw the following news item on ABC News.

ABC News: Desperate Bank Robbers -- From Church Deacons to Grandmas

If you read the article, you will note that one of the people is a church deacon and father of four who says this:

"This doesn't even register. I'm just ill," Windsor told a judge in a subsequent court appearance. "I've never stolen anything in my life."

The next person they mention is described as Robin Hood by his daughters for robbing banks. The final person they mention is a 68 year old Grandmother who was just sentenced to six years for robbing banks. A quote about her from her husband:

"She is a wonderful and loving grandmother who simply could not say no to her son's request for more and more financial help," he said.

It is said:

"These types of acts are not typical," Mesereau said. "They are atypical but are happening more and more as we have trouble financially."

So, what exactly is going on? Why are more and more of these things happening? Why does ABC News seem suprised that these seemingly "good" people, including a church deacon are acting out of character? And why are they acting out of character? I have good news for you. The Bible has the answers.

So, why exactly is a church deacon robbing a bank, forcing a standoff with police? He didn't even attempt to blame his actions on sin. He said that he was "ill." That makes me wonder about the type of teaching he's getting at his church, but I'm not in the position to judge that. What does the Bible say his problem is?

Romans 3:23 (ESV)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Genesis 6:5 (ESV)
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Psalm 36:1 (ESV)
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.

Psalm 141:4 (ESV)
Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!

Proverbs 6:18 (ESV)
a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,

So, you see. Our hearts are desperately wicked. This could be any one of us. In fact, this may be you. You're heart is wicked and desires to do evil. You say, but I'm a "good" person. "I give to charities." "I serve as a deacon in a church." "I don't desire to rob a bank." Oh, but you do, deep down in your heart. I have seen "good" people do bad because they became "desperate." Blame it on what you want, but it's still sin. I once caught a professor from Georgia State University shoplifting. It was over $300 which constitutes a felony in the state of Georgia, a lifelong offense. His wife kept calling the store over the weekend, begging us to drop charges, so the man could be released to be at his son's birthday party for which he had been stealing the item. My heart breaks for people like this. And people say, it's just a time of desperation. Not true. Call it what it is! It's SIN!

1 John 1:6, 8, 10 (ESV)
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

So, how does one get out of this mess? How can we be assured that we are saved and trusting in Jesus Christ? What about those who are in these desperate situations? I ask them to cry out to God in this hour of desperation. When we are the lowest point in our lives, we can only look up. He is our hope and salvation. Look at the following fuller passage from 1 John.

1 John 1:5 (ESV)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

I say to you today. Look deep in your heart. Do you know Christ? Truly know him? Are you daily confessing sin? Are you desperate for God, and not for finances? Seek Christ. Know Him. He is your peace. He is your comfort. If you wish for someone to talk to, please feel free to contact me. I would love to speak with you and show you from the scriptures how Christ can free you from your sin. I am reading a book right now by Alistair Begg, entitled "Made for His Pleasure." It's about how God made us to glorify Him and bring pleasure to Him. So, you see. Nothing is about us. It's not about us being "ill". It's about us repenting and turning to Christ. The world wonders why. The Bible tells us why. We are wicked people in need of a Savior. The Savior is Jesus Christ.

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