7 Life Decisions for Spiritual PowerSample

Deal decisively with sin

The simple truth is that as long as we allow sin into our lives, we will always feel like someone bound by heavy chains. Today, many people trivialise sin, treating it as insignificant and failing to take it seriously. We often say, “God is forgiving; He will certainly understand my situation and the pressures that I experience every day.” We make jokes about holiness and scoff at those who desire to live holy lives.

Hebrews 12:3-5 (ESV) says: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.’”

Take note of the words: "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Hebrews 12:4; ESV). God is serious about sin. He is so serious about it that He sent His Son to earth to pay the penalty for our sins with His life.

We often make excuses for our anger. One way we try to avoid being judged for it is by calling it righteous anger. We call greed responsible stewardship, while a critical spirit, backbiting, slander, and gossip are downplayed as "simply being honest and telling the truth as it is, not covering up sin." We call self-pity just an honest feeling of being mistreated and deeply hurt by others, and honestly talking about it. Lust and immorality are often downplayed to the point where we are advised to grow up and face the realities of life, with the belief that "we are mature and know where to draw the line."

Unwholesome talk is another issue. The Bible warns against it in Ephesians 5:4 (ESV) - It includes dirty and negative jokes. This includes derogatory jokes about one's wife or mother-in-law, jokes about other professions, and cursing. We may have all kinds of excuses, but are these words, jokes, and curses inspired by the Holy Spirit? I don't think so.

Unless we begin to live holy lives, acknowledge the severity and impact of our sins, and recognise the harm they cause to others, we will never experience the joy of freedom in Christ. The Holy Spirit will continually contend with us and convict us of sin. However, if we ignore this conviction, we will eventually quench the Holy Spirit, and He will cease to communicate with us. This is one of the most dangerous places to be.

Do not allow sin to make its home in your heart.