Using many different expressions, Peter continued to testify and to plead: “Be saved,” he urged them, “from this corrupt generation!” So those who welcomed his message were baptized. That day about 3,000 people were added to their number. Acts 2:40-41
Is my generation corrupt? I’m not, am I? I looked up the definition. “Showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for personal gain.” Then the joke about the lawyer who died when he was middle aged and asked God why he died so young came to mind. God told him he was over a hundred according to his billable hours.
I’ve had jobs as a physical therapist where I was expected to be over 95% productive, answer patient call bells, get patients dressed, transport patients to the department because physical therapy aides and techs are no longer jobs, and, of course, do all the paperwork the government expects (all of this is unbillable time). And we were expected to work only forty hours because my employer didn’t want to pay time and a half. I think employer expectations do not vary much from job to job. So to survive, we all fudge a little. So even without accidentally taking pens, making personal copies at the office, societal expectations, bullying, theft, battery, and murder, we are a corrupt generation according to the definition.
Peter wanted us to realize we need a savior. He pleaded and encouraged people to be saved. It’s a passive act because no matter what we do, we cannot save ourselves. We have to depend on Jesus to save us and the Holy Spirit to baptize us. It’s the only way we can not feel guilty and be happy. When we depend on the Holy Spirit for power and wisdom miracles happen. Three thousand were saved in one day.
Dearest Heavenly Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to be my savior from corrupt politicians, a corrupt society, and sometimes myself. Give me the power to love 24/7, testify, and plead with others as Peter did to love and ask Jesus to be their savior so they can be free and happy. I pray in Jesus’ precious and holy name, amen