Why do I do what I don’t want to do? The heart is willing, but the flesh is weak. Nobody is perfect, not even us Christians. We’re warned to be careful lest we fall. None of that “once saved always saved” nonsense. However, if we do sin we have an advocate with the Father, Christ Jesus. And we have an advocate with us, the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of all things and is always interceding for us even when we don’t know what to pray. If we repent, Jesus’ eternal sacrifice can be applied to us and our transgressions are blotted out. He has paid it all. There is nothing we can do to justify ourselves. That’d be like going up to a judge and saying, “Look, I gave money to charities and did all these good deeds these past 9 years, so can you overlook my crime? I only murdered once.” That’s ridiculous. Each crime has its sentence and no amount of “good deeds” or “donations” would spare you having to pay the due penalty. There’s only one way and if Jesus pays your fine, you get out of jail free. That’s a miracle. God did that, for us.
So why do we feel so guilty? Besides Satan the accuser always being at the ready, because we have a conscience and sin has consequences. Though God told David He was forgiven, David still had to lose his son after he committed adultery and murder. Whether big or small, sin has consequences. I know I should have done this, but instead I did that. We’ve got to live with that decision and the shame that comes with it. That decision affected people and things in ways we may not have intended. Or if we thought about them before, in that moment we did not. If by chance something other than ourselves crossed our mind, then our own concerns, worries, or ideas overshadowed them. Because of our fallen human nature we acted selfishly and did not give glory to God like He deserves. Our sin affected God, our witness, and what He wanted to accomplish through us. When we sin, we not only let down others and ourselves, but we let down God. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, not act like the world does. Be ye separate. I used to be blind to a lot of sin. The Word of God is truly able to convict and correct us. God Himself can also do that though. I know that before I started reading my Bible, I prayed that God would give me more discernment and take away my desire for things that did not please Him. Prayer is powerful. Some things I automatically lost taste for, surprising even myself! I genuinely had stopped liking and was repulsed, disgusted, or uncomfortable with things I previously hadn’t minded in the least and I know that was God’s doing. The others were or have been a process, so forgive and be patient with me as God’s not done refining me yet. I was severely tempted at points, but it was more of a test to see what I loved more. That thing, or God. There are still a few things I’ve left “on the shelf,” so to speak, for a later time. God knows when we’re ready and sometimes we humans are resistant or reluctant to change. Instead of indulging in anything questionable, try setting it aside. Often, I’ve found that I no longer think about or “need” that thing I’ve set aside after all. It’s easier to let go of. Who we used to be is not who we are anymore. We can’t look back once we’ve set our hand to the plow. The old us has died and we’ve renewed our minds, to think about whatever is good. Does that mean I always triumph over sin? No. Unfortunately, I recently fell into that trap (even knowing what I do now) because I could so easily justify it by the world’s standards. It’s not a big deal, other people do it, who would know? Lies! Does the Bible not say that if you break one little law, you are responsible for ALL of it? We’re no longer under the law, but does that give us a license to sin? No! One kind of sin is the same as another by God’s standards. He says to be holy because He is holy. So it IS a big deal. Who cares if other people do it? Uh, the old “would you jump off a bridge if everyone was doing it?” question comes to mind here. Are you truly on the narrow path? Or did you wander onto the wide path? And lastly, I know. God knows. And my conscience won’t leave me alone. Hence, now all of you know. If we confess our sins, God is able to forgive us. Sometimes it’s hard to believe He’d be so merciful with us because we really don’t deserve it. So why did I choose to share all of this? Because while Satan rejoices when we fall into sin, we are to do everything to the glory of God. Rather than hiding in shame, I will choose to boast in my weaknesses because God can use them for His glory, not mine. Get me off that pedestal. I’m a sinner just like you. Yes, I’m not perfect. Yes, I’m not good. God’s standards are higher than ours and He’s the one that propels me to do good when I’d rather remain comfortable or keep to myself. He’s the one that tells me to forgive, help, or love when it’s hard to do. It’s easy to love your family and friends, but what about those “difficult” people in our lives? And who among us goes up to strangers and shares our hope with them? If you choose to walk by, that person may commit suicide because everybody else walked by too. Our inaction can also have devastating consequences. Who among us cares for the poor, the widows, and the orphans by giving up our time and resources for them? The Bible says not to just say bless you, keep warm and then not give them the coat to be able to do that. Our faith requires action, otherwise it’s dead. No, we don’t need works to be saved. However, they are evidence and fruit of our repentance and faith. And we are glad to do them. So the next time you are tempted to sin, think of who it affects besides yourself and think of God who you’d be letting down and offending with your choice. Don’t abuse God’s mercy. He may not give you time to repent. Is it worth it? Jesus suffered and died on the cross for YOU. Don’t take that lightly. Choose this day whom you will serve. If you’re not with God, you’re against Him. God is holy and nothing unclean will enter heaven. In chapter 7 of the book of Joshua, the Lord did not remain with Israelites because of Achan’s sin. That’s why they’d lost the battle. They only won after they made things right with God. In the infamous prodigal son story, even though he ran away and wasted his inheritance in sin, the father still welcomed him back with open arms. Despite our selfishness when we sin, God extends us grace we don’t deserve. Peter denied Jesus 3 times and was forgiven and healed of his guilt when Jesus asked him 3 times if he loved him. We need to come to God and repent. He has set before us life and death, blessing and curse. Choose rightly and go with God if you want to live. If you’re not a believer, then seek Him and ask God to show you. Read the Bible and research whether Creationism actually has merit (it does). And stop following men who are fallible. Follow God. Believer or not, wherever you are on the path, what matters most isn’t perfection but what direction you’re heading in. Find the narrow road because despite the popular idea that all roads lead to the same destination, they don’t and the only way to God is through Jesus. Comments are closed.
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July 2020
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