Since I’ve already been accused of being “harsh” I guess I will address a couple of issues that sit in my craw uncomfortably, namely the three sins mentioned.
Sin is sin. It separates us from holiness, and even though our sins are covered by the blood of Christ’s sacrifice, sin is something the Bible teaches us to avoid.
I wrote about my 2026 word “truth” in the last post. Another of my 2026 words is “discipline.”
Discipline is really a character quality needed to fight sin. We can ask the Holy Spirit for help in conquering a sinful stronghold in our lives, but it boils down to self-discipline and a continual thought process that brings thoughts “captive” to righteousness.
As an observer and a participant in modern Christian culture, I see two things in particular that grieve my spirit, plus another that over-arches most sinful behavior.
Are you seeing the sin of gluttony? We can mask it in all sorts of health problems: personally, my thyroid has been abnormal, and thyroids really affect weight loss and gain. It’s my excuse.
Fornication, sex outside of marriage, seems to be implied with every person “living together” with someone….either sex these days! Lust is desiring what is forbidden, and fornication is the fruit of lust.
How dare you say that, Corgi?!
These are the days of Noah, would you not agree? Appearances matter, and the Bible instructs us to avoid all APPEARANCES of evil.
How close-minded! It is harder to do that in today’s culture than ever, so many just ignore that part.
But what if we were more concerned with discipline and holiness?
What would that look like to others?
Instead of pointing the finger outward, why not point it inward and test the spirit of your own actions.
Could someone think….?
We all make calls or judgments on people. We can’t help it. Appearance matters. I personally like to dress in thrift-store finds, and sometimes it borders on crazy. I don’t care. I love color and comfort. My appearance gives a vibe and I think I am okay with that, but if it is distracting and someone says something mean I take that into account!
But is my action glorifying to Christ? Am I modest? Am I deferring to others? Am I looking outward? Am I being kind? (another of my 2026 words)
I see a poster in a lot of my classrooms where I sub, it has several questions.
“Is it true?”
“Is it kind?”
“Is it helpful?”
These are good reminders to think about when saying or doing something. I approve.
As I think about how I judge people who may be having an issue with gluttony or fornication I need to always be kind in my words.
Selfishly, I may be assuming they know better!
Most likely they do not.
Lord, forgive the selfishness in my heart, and help me to see people as you see them.
But help me also to live a life that reflects your holiness. When possible, help me help others to understand your Word and what you desire from us.
I read the first chapter of Romans, and it is pretty harsh. Pointing to Scripture is a wonderful way to teach truth.
Ed and I discussed several belief systems this morning: Seventh Day Adventists, Scientology, and Christian Science. We looked up the founders, we read the Wiki version of their beliefs. It was an interesting discussion.
All of these veer off of the Bible in some way or another, either Old Testament or New. There is danger in veering off of Scripture, all of Scripture, and starting your own religion.
Does your religion allow gluttony and fornication? Selfishness?
Jesus commands us to repent. We shouldn’t justify our sins. When we repent we will find greater joy in following Christ.
His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. The peace and joy that comes from Jesus is not to be found anywhere else. He is the truth.
Christians may appear to be brainwashed by their strong faith, but it’s simply the out-working of true religion. Jesus really is wonderful. People who encounter Him really are changed.
Empowered.
Come, Lord Jesus!
MARANATHA!