Hey friends! I’m back! Thank you so much for allowing me to get away and regroup. During this break, I realized I need to take smaller breaks (a week here and there) instead of a month-long break at a time. Listen I REALLY enjoyed my time regrouping but it felt weird. I guess I am just used to writing these on Monday and motivating myself! So let’s get back to it.
If you are like me, you sit back and question certain things. For instance, if God really forgives me when I sin, why can’t I just sin and ask for forgiveness? So, let’s talk about it.
I was sitting there the other day contemplating various things. I was thinking about people and things. And some of my thoughts were ugly. I actually had to stop and tell myself some of my thoughts were sinful. And then I thought, “Well, I’ll just ask for forgiveness.” Surely, I’m not the only one who does this right? I was always taught that you don’t sin but if you do, ask for forgiveness with your heart and you should be good. But, I don’t understand why is there a double standard? Meaning, God knew we needed a way to be forgiven but you shouldn’t commit a sin knowing you will ask for forgiveness and expect to be forgiven. In laymen’s terms, why is the hall pass conditional?
I think we can all agree that sin is destructive. Pride can ruin your reputation whether you are a Christian or not. Selfishness can ruin marriages and friendships. Paul warns Christians not to sin in their anger, he adds, “and give no opportunity to the devil” because sin invites Satan to wreak greater havoc in our lives. That’s why Proverbs warns: “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices” (Proverbs 29:6). Resisting temptation and doing what’s right doesn’t just please God, it’s good for you.
Sin is addicting. People think of addicts as those who drink too much or have a drug problem. But think about gossip, lies, envy and pride…all very addictive behaviors. That’s why Romans 6:16 says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” You are either growing in your addiction to sin or growing in your addiction to righteousness.
Lastly, sin hinders our fellowship with God. If you’re sinning, you ain’t praying. Can I get an amen? We need to remember how a Christian’s sin affects the heart of God. Paul urged the church in Ephesus, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30) and the psalmist reminded us, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Notice that it’s not sin that we’ve regretted and asked for forgiveness for that’s a problem. But while we cherish iniquity or ungodliness, while we defend it, justify it and continue in it, it gets in the way of the relationship that God wants with us.
So, look. Everyone sins but it’s not ok; and, we can’t “make it ok” because we will be forgiven. Let me use losing weight as an example. You can’t lose weight when you have one hand in the cookie jar. You have to eat right and exercise. But sometimes, you mess up or maybe you thought that chinese food would be healthy. But it wasn’t, and you gained a pound or two you lost. No big deal because you just have to get back on the band wagon. But how are you going to lose weight when you eat nothing but cookies and cake?
This week your motivation is to stay mindful. Thoughts creep in. Sins sometimes not meant to be purposeful (and sometimes they are…). Stay aware of when and how this happens. Look at your emotions, before and after the sin and look for ways to combat this in the future. And God does love you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. YOU! And all your sins. Don’t knowingly sin on His Son’s behalf.
Love you all and see you next week,
Jennifer
