Opus 2012-327, Monday Pulpit: Diaper Changes

I don’t remember what the pastor said that started my mind down the path of changing diapers.  I think he was talking about sin.  The manger was in front of me and since it was the last Sunday before Christmas, it had a baby (doll) in it.  Babies cry a lot.  I often tell people that if they don’t believe in human depravity and original sin it is because they have never had children.

Picture an adult with the self-centeredness of a 6 month old baby.  My mind shudders at the thought.

Back to crying and babies.  As I was meditating on this truth I realized that there was a purpose in the noise.  How in the world would you know the baby was wet if it didn’t cry?  It isn’t going to climb out of its crib, stroll into the living room and say, “Do you think you might have a moment to change me.  I seem to have had a moment of incontinence.”  No, they cry.

Pain and discomfort have a purpose.  They let us know that something is wrong. 

As I get older, I realize that aches and pains are a part of the process.  I learn how to move differently or more slowly.  But there are others aches and pains that are a result of something being wrong.

It can be a physical wrong.  Pain can be a warning of the early stages of a real problem.  When we check it out, we save our lives.  Praise God for that kind of pain.

It can be a spiritual wrong.  We don’t like to admit this.  We don’t want to judge.  Fine.  Don’t judge others and tell them their pain is a sign of sin in their lives.  Tell yourself though.  It might not be, but check it out.  Think of the baby crying.  Generally there are three reasons:  Hunger, fatigue, diaper disorder.  It has been a long time for me but if I remember correctly the only way you can tell if the diaper is wet is to stick a finger down the diaper.  Or have your wife do it.

So be thankful for pain.  Take it seriously.

May your pain be temporary and minor, unless it is caused by sin and then I want it to rage until you repent.

homo unius libri