How serious are we about God? It is so easy to say we believe in God. But do we put our faith and trust in him? Or do we follow long held and cherished sinful patterns of behavior and thought? We know what is right if we have spent even a minimal amount of time reading the Bible. But for some reason we do not always choose to behave rightly. Even the early Christians, many who would have actually heard Jesus preach needed a reminder that they knew what is pleasing to God.
“I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.” 1 John 2:21 NIV
Most of us do know what is right, but we purposely chose to do as we please. We rationalize that what we want to do is okay just this once. We tell ourselves it won’t hurt anyone. So we seek the immediately pleasurable activity or one which we perceive will make us popular with people we want to impress.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;” 1 Peter 1:14-15 NIV
This passage is very clear. Do not give in to sinful tendencies. Do not even dare to rationalize and excuse sin.
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” Isaiah 5:21 NIV
So we are to recognize our desire to sin, repent, and quit it. No more playing games. No more rationalization for our sinful practices.
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, make me aware of when I am tempted to rationalize my sin. Give me the strength to resist the temptation.
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