Sin

Romans 7:12-20 "So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me."

A friend gave me a book to read titled "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges. Wow, what a convicting book!! It talks of the fact that Christians are quick to stand up against the "big" sins. We wouldn't dream of turning a deaf ear or blind eye to abortion, adultery or homosexuality but we often don't recognize our "Respectable Sins." As I read (and I am far from finished with the book) I am so convicted by my pride, my worldliness, my selfishness, etc.

One of the things he raises in this book is that there are no "small" or "big" sins with God. Sin is sin. It is a matter of the heart - our rebellious heart. The main sin we have - the sin that we can trace all sins back to - is the sin of godlessness. How often in my life am I godless? Every day? Every hour? Nay, every minute! May my prayer become (and yours too, I hope) God show me my sin. Not my "big" sins that convict me the minute the thought or deed or word comes, but convict me of the sins I tolerate in my every day life and they pass by me unnoticed. Convict me of my godless life every time I leave You out of my thoughts, deeds and words. For even good thoughts, deeds and words are useless if I am not focused on You.