We all go about our lives in one fashion or another. Usually we act on what we believe. Sometimes, though, our actions are based on what we think, but not what we know for sure. If we continue those actions, thoughts can become beliefs, even if they are not truths. This is how we can become entangled in sin. It is one subtle shift after another in our minds. As Christians we may come to one of two lies. The first is that it doesnt matter how we act, because we are forgiven anyway. This comes from a lack of understanding of the true meaning of repentance and obedience. If we truly repent, we have turned away from that which we confessed to be sin. And if we are truly obedient, we will not do that which God has clearly outlined as outside His will. The second lie is that we are unable to change or be loved after the sin. Maybe you have been caught in sin for so long that it seems there is no way out. Maybe it was just one mistake, but the ramifications seem too great; earth-shattering even. You may feel unworthy of love, either from others or from God. The truth is that God is Love. You can never find fullness or satisfaction apart from Him, and you can never be too far from Him that He cannot reach you. When Paul experienced an earthquake while in jail and chose to stay in his cell anyway the jailer had a change of heart. He asked Paul what he must do to be saved. Pauls answer? Call on the name of the Lord! He is our deliverance, from fear, from the bondage of sin, and ultimately from the eternal punishment of sin. This doesnt guarantee that your life will be free of the earthly consequences, for we are still accountable to our actions, but even these consequences are used by God to bring about the true repentance and change of character to bring us into alignment with Himself. Listen to this plea from King David, understanding the depths of his sin before God; Psalm 38:3-4, 21-22 NASB There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation: There is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me! Make hast to help me. O Lord, my salvation! David had messed up. In one series of events he basically took a hammer to all 10 commandments. Even though he knew that he was guilty before a righteous God, he understood the depths of Gods love. He knew that he could still call on God for salvation from his sin. May we find that same encouragement, and as Jesus said to one woman caught in in her iniquity; Go and sin no more.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:10:45 +0000