Over the last month or more there have been a lot instructions on how to avoid catching the Coronavirus. You are to stay about six feet apart and some of the stores have laid out tape to be sure that the distances are observed. You need to not gather in groups of more than 10 and actually everyone was instructed to stay home and even work from home. We should wash our hands frequently during the day and do a thorough job. Oh yea, and don’t touch your face! I have to tell you that if staying healthy for me was dependent on my not touching my face, I’m going to die! I find myself touching it more and more now that I’m not supposed to. Why can’t I stop touching my face? Because I’m a face-toucher! I just can’t stop doing it. I find myself touching my face without even thinking about it! It’s just part of who I am. I rub my eyes! I scratch my nose. I handle my beard. I just can’t keep my hands off of my face. The harder I try, the more impossible it seems. These are laws I just can’t keep.  It’s a lot like sin.

If my going to heaven was dependent on my not touching my face, I’m doomed for all eternity. I can’t do it! This gives me a somewhat clearer understanding of what Paul was talking about in Romans 3:20. He said, “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.” The law presents us with standards too far out of reach for any of us. Thus, the Romans passage continues, “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” Through the law which tells me to “not touch my face” I see how sinful I really am. If I’m going to be acceptable to God and gain entry into His kingdom there has to be another way for me. And that’s the way that Jesus offers to us all.

Wow! I’m so grateful for a salvation that’s not determined by my own righteousness. I’m a face toucher. That is what I am. I have never been able to stop touching my face and I never will. But God in his great mercy has forgiven me. It seems that true repentance is understanding that we are all “face touchers.” Face touchers know how much they need forgiveness! Every time I touch my face, I am reminded that I am a face toucher and cannot stop myself. It is who I am, and I need a savior. The woman in Luke 7:47 knew that she was a face toucher. When she heard that she was forgiven she was filled with gratitude and love for the forgiver. Her “face touchings” were many, just like mine. And recognizing that led to great love for Jesus. Jesus tells Simon, the Pharisee, in Luke 7:47 “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”