When The Door Slams
Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. Proverbs 3:31-33 NKJV
Each time something replaces the love for Christ within us, inner conflict is the result. We can't have habitual, willful sin and also experience serenity. Sin is much like a splinter in our unconscious mind. unless sin is removed through confession and repentance, it will fester just as a splinter festers. It will lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. It is not as easy to stand tall and tell ourselves we are okay when we know we have violated God's standard.
Inner conflict rages. Still, we ignore it and the sin continues to fester. There is a loss of creativity and perhaps even lowered efficiency. If we continue to ignore sin, we will experience a sense of failure. After all, we have been unfaithful to ourselves and to Jesus. Even ill health can be a result if we refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in our lives.
Becoming a Christian is not merely fire insurance. It is a relationship with a loving God that affects every area of our lives. It transforms our values, our lifestyles, our will, and even our sexuality. It involves obedience; unconditional love compels us to obey. Wholeness, serenity, and health are the result.
Think about this: Habitual, willful sin is unfaithful to ourselves and to Jesus. Obedience and confession set me free The fourth step of the Twelve Step program is to make a search and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Have you done that yet?
Renewal: Since I call on the Father who judges each man's work impartially, may I conduct myself in fear during the time of my sojourn on earth (1 Peter 1:17). May I keep the commandments of the Lord my God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. May I follow the Lord my God and fear Him; may I keep Your commandments, hear Your voice, serve You, and hold fast to You (Deuteronomy 8:6; 13:4).
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
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