Citizens and Other Rogue Elements

But the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick do. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luke 5:30-32
At a conference I attended years ago, one of the speakers, an under-secretary of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, mentioned in his speech that “. . . we in the United States have laws to protect citizens and other rogue elements.” Of course, he said it in jest; but there may be more truth in his statement than he realized.
In God's eyes, we are all born rogues, rebels, rascals, reprobates, and rapscallions. “For all have sinned. . .” (Romans 3:23) and “The heart is deceitful above all things. . .” (Jeremiah 17:9). Yet with all our problems, and especially because of all our problems, “God loved us and sent His Son” (1 John 4:10). In this scripture, we find Jesus associating, not with the Pharisees and scribes, who thought themselves righteous, but with the dregs of society. Why? Because they realized their need—that they couldn't approach God by themselves. And neither can we.
Jesus came to give His life so we could live with Him eternally. If He is your Savior and Lord, pause right now, catch up on your confession of sins, and thank Him for forgiveness. If He isn't, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and take control of your life right now. After all, He came for you.