What is sin? It is any act of disobedience to God.
Today’s culture treats sin as a dirty word. They say it shouldn’t be used and discourage talking about sin or labeling any action as sinful. But sin is real, it is harmful, and it is dangerous. To ignore the reality of sin’s existence is to stick your head in the sand. Denial rarely produces beneficial results.
Followers of Christ actively avoid sin by focusing on obeying God’s voice, heeding His guidance, and searching for His truth. We can’t avoid sin by willpower alone. In fact, trying to avoid sin in this way puts the focus on what you don’t want to do rather than what you want to do.
Have you ever gone snow skiing? I have…one time. I quickly learned that if I looked at a place I wanted to avoid (like that mini-jump over there) I would invariably hit it dead center. That isn’t a good thing if it’s your first time on skis. 🤕
In the same way, if you are trying not to think about something, you will think about it. Example: Don’t think about zebras. I bet you just pictured a zebra in your mind. Yep, I tricked you, but you get the point.
Back to the topic of sin. If you struggle with sin, rather than thinking about not doing that again, turn to God’s Word and focus on a verse that helps you focus on what you should be doing. If you struggle with selfishness, look up verses on loving others and serving them. Keep those verses at the forefront of your mind. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your actions will follow your point of focus.
Why should we turn from sin? Especially the “little” sins, aren’t they harmless enough? After all, everyone does it.
Everyone does sin. And most of us fall short nearly every day. That’s no excuse to ignore it. The truth is that sin creates a barrier to our relationship with God. God cannot look upon sin. Personally, I don’t want God to turn His face away from me.
Remember Jesus on the cross? When He took our sins upon Himself, God the Father had to look away. This was the most excruciating moment in Jesus’ entire life. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). For the first time in His life, Jesus could not feel the eyes of His Father upon Him.
This is why we fight against sin. Not because of the fear of punishment, but because of the separation from God and lack of intimacy it creates. We do our best to eradicate sin from our own lives so we can draw nearer to God.
Additionally, our sin affects those around us. Lost tempers, angry words, even stubborn silence have injured the hearts of those we love. If we choose apathy towards our own sin, it encourages others to ignore their sin or to actively follow us in ours.
We don’t avoid sin to be saved but to grow in our relationship with our Creator. We do not achieve salvation through our works or through good behavior. Believing that will only make us proud when we get it right and throw us into despair when we get it wrong. We are saved by grace.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
When we accept Christ as our Savior, God sees us through the blood of Jesus as though we had no sin. Yet our sin still blocks our intimacy with God. We can’t get close to Him if we prioritize our comfort with sin over our relationship with God.
We should want this intimate relationship with God not only in our lives but also for others. This is why we encourage people to face their sin and leave it behind. It’s why we point them to Jesus and ask that they surrender to His leading.
“Go, and sin no more.”
John 8:11
A hard truth is kinder than an easy lie. Speak the truth in love, point people to Jesus, shower them with His love. Don’t hide the truth of sin’s existence, instead bring it into the light and let God’s love reveal it for what it truly is. A deadly poison, a cancerous mass, a life-destroying virus.
I believe if we realize the cost of our sin, that we would be more diligent to turn from it. We would seek God’s help, healing, and forgiveness. Drawing closer to God, we would rejoice in the light of His love and dance before Him with thanksgiving.
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I want to follow Jesus! How do I get started?
“This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
1 John 4:13-15
If you are ready to join the family of God, simply believe and ask. You can choose your own words or pray the prayer below. God hears your heart, simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and let the Spirit lead you.
“Father, I want to be yours. Forgive me of my sins. I believe that you sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and thank you for the gift of salvation through Him. I invite the Holy Spirit into my heart and surrender my life to You. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Feel free to spend time just talking to God and sharing your heart with Him. Let Him speak to you and listen as He leads you forward into new life. Welcome to the family.
Need to talk or have questions? Feel free to reach out and contact me.