Frankenstein is Mary Shelley's protagonist in the classic book bearing his name. He is a young, curious (even idealistic) scientist who discovered, after much trial and error, how to create life. In doing so, Frankenstein created a monster. He intended, mind you, to create a gentlemanly being who would add joy to the world. In reality (fictional reality, to be sure), the young scientist created a being who caused much destruction and heartache. Near the end of the piece of classic literature, Shelley gives voice to Frankenstein as he mourns his act of creating. He looks upon the body of Clerval, his dear friend whom his monster killed and says . . .
"The completion of my demoniacal design became an insatiable passion. And now it is ended; there is my last victim!" (192)
Notice the second occurrence of the personal pronoun "my." The young scientist refers to his friend as "my" victim. The monster took life; yet the scientist took blame. He recognized the destruction which his "insatiable passion" caused.
Neither I or you have created block-headed, stud-necked, and stitch-faced monsters. Yet both you and I have created our own share of messes. To the horror of Shelley's protagonist, the possibility for him to undo his mess passed.
Our story, praise Jesus (I mean that) is different. God remains in the business of cleaning up messes. For that I am eternally thankful.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
All - that's right - all unrighteousness.
On Thursday when a little green monster asks for candy, hand over the loot and then praise God for the way He has cleaned up after the monsters you created.
#ordinarylives
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. San Diego: Baker & Taylor, 2013.
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