The Subtlety of Sin

I’ve been amazed at how the Lord speaks to us, often at the same time. Last month at our church, Joe Funari gave a sermon, on “Our Moral Compass.” In it he describes some failings we encounter when we drift off course into the path of this world. I've seen Christians stray off the course of holiness, slowly accepting the values of this world over time. I had been contemplating giving a sermon on “The deceitfulness of sin” when Joe and I talked about his sermon a week before he gave it. Then we had our flip study and Steve Knapp and Steve Teunis both hit on the importance of not fulfilling our earthly desires. I believe God is trying to warn us to be especially watchful now. As I meditated on these things, I realized how He has put His finger, more than a few times in my life, on areas where I have been off course; and I realize I’ve got some real work to do in regard to personal worship and avoiding certain types of media.

Compared to most people, at times I am considered a bit prudish, a term that used to bother me as it seemed so condescending. However, recently I realized that there is a wonderful word that comes from this word; which is prudent, meaning “wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.”

I know the Apostle Paul admonished us live a very prudent life, constantly making small course corrections to keep us on the narrow way of life. In every letter he wrote, he warned us to avoid the “old man.” Eph. 4:22: “Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.”

There are many directions in life, if taken, lead us away from fulfilling our Christian life. Being born-again spiritual new creatures we are tempted to take the easy road of self-fulfillment. We have everything at our disposal today to draw us from a spirit-filled life. Pornography can be had in 15 seconds; Sporting events can take us down the road of despising opponents playing our favorite team. TV gives us every opportunity to laugh off moral sins that God condemns. Sin slowly becomes an indiscretion, and indiscretion becomes, “It’s OK between two mutually consenting adults.” Satan knows he can’t beat the church with a frontal attack. But, he can slowly wear us down over time to where our standards are completely out of sync with God. Jesus loved God and hated iniquity. I know we all love God…the question is; how much do you and we hate iniquity? Don’t let the world drag you adrift from your walk with Christ. Andy Weeks