"But I'm the Exception!"

Minister Bill Hybels tells the story about his returning to the church building one evening. He writes; "I stopped by the church just to encourage those who were there rehearsing for the spring musical. I didn't intend to stay long, so I parked my car next to the entrance. After a few minutes, I ran back to my car and drove home.

"The next morning I found a note in my office mailbox. It read: ‘A small thing, but Tuesday night when you came to rehearsal, you parked in the 'No Parking' area. A reaction from one of my crew (who did not recognize you until after you got out of the car) was, 'There's another jerk parking in the "No Parking" area!' We try hard not to allow people--even workers--to park anywhere other than the parking lots. I would appreciate your cooperation, too.’ It was signed by a member of our maintenance staff."

Hybels acknowledges that his thoughts that night were: "As I drove up that night, I had thought, ‘I shouldn't park here, but after all, I am the minister.’ That translates: I'm an exception to the rules. But that employee wouldn't allow me to sneak down the road labeled ‘I'm an exception.’"

We live in a time when many think they are the exception to the rules. Once a couple placed membership with a congregation I was working with. After a few months they revealed information that led the leadership to determine that they were living in a sinful condition. We went out to talk to them about repenting, but they decided that they were not going to change. When shown from the Bible that those who live in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God, her response was, "Maybe God will make an exception."

It would be wonderful if God would make exceptions for sins we will not forsake, but – just as the staff worker at Hybels’ church held him accountable to the rules – God will hold each of us accountable to His commands. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21 NKJV). The inspired apostle Peter said, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34-35 NKJV). Alas, there will be no exceptions.