But instead of agreeing with them, I sat there and had the quiet realization that each of those reasons, was one thing. SIN. No matter how it was sugar coated, or what excuse was given, they were all sin.
In my mind, while sitting quietly, I became convicted about how often I excuse my behavior instead of just owning up to the fact that I am sinner. And somehow, instead of beating myself up about it, and hence making excuses. I found an amazing freedom. I realized that only after I acknowledge my sin and bondage, can I be set free.
The Lord did not send his only Son to take away my excuses. He died for my SIN. Therefore, I need to stop excusing my sin, and instead, own up to it.
I am not just talking about the BIG sins, the ones most of us steer clear of like, murder, theft, and blasphemy. I am talking about my own sins that put Him on that cross. Back at Easter, I posted this
Instead, Lord, fill my mind with all that put Your Son on the Cross that day.
All my own short comings.
All my sins.
All my denials.
All my fence walking.
My idol worship that spit in the face of your only Son.
My pride that gambled for His robe.
My gluttony that pierced His side.
My anger that ridiculed Him.
My bitterness like vinegar to His lips.
My blasphemy like thorns around his head.
Reconciling our sin with the cross is or should be every believers goal. In reconciliation, we find freedom, and in freedom we find our purpose. For God did not save us so that we would remain in bondage to sin, He saved us to be set free, and in living the free life, we honor Him.
Honor and discipleship can not be hand in hand with excuses.
I vow to take every thought captive, every word in prayer, and every breath in freedom.
John 8:36 (NIV)
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Galatians 5:1-3
"Freedom in Christ 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"
2 comments:
"In reconciliation, we find freedom, and in freedom we find our purpose. For God did not save us so that we would remain in bondage to sin, He saved us to be set free, and in living the free life, we honor Him."
This is beautiful and complete TRUTH. I want this to be so completely my reality that like Beth Moore says it goes down into my marrow. Well said, sister, well said.
Oh sista!!!!!! You nailed it and your nailing it brings me such joy that I can feel it in my chest right now. I know it sounds dorky, but I LOVE TRUTH!!!!!!! Tuth brings me joy, others discovering truth brings me even more joy:)
A couple thoughts...
1.Wrong diagnosis brings wrong treatment and care. It is imperative as Christians that we diagnos correctly. What you observed you totally got it! Sin.
Sin is opposition to God. God has given us the correct diagnosis: Sin. And He has given us the right treatment: Jesus Christ.
2.We must come to the cross empty and needy in recognition of our sin and He will meet us there with lavish grace!
3.When you see your sin, run to the Savior! Do not focus on your sin. Recognize it and Run to the Savior. Question:Who is leading you to focus on your sin? The Holy Spirit or Satan?
4.His was the PERFECT LIFE!!!
And that record is ours, its mine!
He kept the law on my behalf and that secures for me God's favor. Regardless of the worst of my sin or the best of my righteousness, I have favor with God only because of Christ.
His Life brings Freedom!!!
5.A way to encourage in small groups: look for evidences of grace. Things that only God by his Holy Spirit could do(not abilities or stuff ie.baseball skills or a cool car)and fan those things into flame! That we would be more aware of God's grace in people than their sin. This is how God relates to us. This is how Christ related to his disciples.
God is so clearly at work in your life!!! Awwesome! I love you and am praying for you!!!xo
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