Tuesday, May 18, 2021
We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind… Isaiah 64:6
Being Honest To Ourselves About Sin
Let’s be honest. Most of us have sin in our lives that we are not totally honest about. We may rationalize it and talk ourselves into believing that it is not so bad – or bad at all - and we continue living with it in our lives. But this is not the life God intended for His children. We cannot have the abundant life He planned for us and we cannot be blessed with all He has for us when we continue to turn the other way and not put an end to the sin we carry. It is time fweo face the truth about our sin or your “vice” or whatever it is that you won’t let go of. It is time to be truthful with ourselves about sin.
There is a basic set of values in each of us with which we establish right and wrong, guilt and innocence, parenting boundaries and methods and other important things in our lives. The core of our values is based in what we feel to be THE TRUTH. We, as a society, as individuals and as parents and grandparents, are accepting more and more “stuff” as OK when it so blatantly violates what we state we believe as the TRUTH from God and scripture.
One of the ways we avoid the truth is to redefine it. Take away its power by splintering it into little pieces so we can pick and choose what we want it to be. Nothing is easier than self-deceit. There is only one Truth (with a capital “T”). You don’t declare truth…you don’t define truth…you discover it.
Beliefs don’t determine truths. If they are sound beliefs, then they are determined by truths.
Just because I believe something does not make it anywhere near truth. Relativism, generally speaking, is the philosophical position that all points of view are equally valid and that all truth (and value) is relative to the individual.
Our world needs to hear the Truth, know the Truth…meet the Truth. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6
The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth - Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17 God empowers his Word. When proclaimed boldly and clearly, its truths impact the lives of men. "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
The Bible’s power to lay open the heart is because it is TRUTH. You cannot argue (and win) when you face the truth. It is the sword of the Spirit not man's sword or man’s word. We are given the privilege to use it on our lives and in our lives.
I, for one, am guilty of avoiding the truth by redefining it. I can talk myself into believing a particular sin that I don’t want to let go of is not so bad, or not even a sin at all. You can rationalize away anything. It is time for us to be honest with ourselves. Sin is sin and it is wrong. We can even excuse rebellion by talking ourselves into believing that the situation warrants our disobedience. We forget that God is in control of our circumstances and He is working all things together for our good when we love Him. He has not promised any of us a life without pain but He does promise blessings when we have faith in Him and choose to obey. Choosing to obey will give us abundant life in Him, and we will not wither and fall like the autumn leaves as the scripture above says. Make a decision to be honest with yourself about the sin in your life, and get rid of what is keeping you from living in the truth of God.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13
