Do What I Preach? Or Do What I Really Really Want To Do When No One Is Looking

As soon as I write something, the opportunity to go against it arises.

Here I sit, having just written an article in which I prayed that all I want to do is honor, glorify and please God. Yet what is going on right now? I am staring at my computer screen scared to make a move because a habitual sin that I struggle with is weighing heavy on my heart. My mind is flooded with thoughts and temptations.

There was a time when just sitting still was good enough. There are people who would even clap that I sat still and did not do anything foolish. 1 Corinthians 9:12 tells us “Even though things are legal doesn’t make them spiritually acceptable.”

In my original post I was sharing about manipulating circumstances so I could get more money even if it meant giving up a God honoring project that could help many.

This time, however, I have an obsession to act on my own, willfully. I have several reasons not to act on these thoughts. And no good reason to carry these thoughts out. You would think it is a no-brainer. But, alas, it feels like torment sitting here trying to do the right thing and not take action.

The people who will not make it into the kingdom of God have not always committed what we think are BIG sins. Look at these lists and think carefully about the sins underlined.

1 Cor 6:9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were.

Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eph 5:3-6 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No sexually immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Rev. 22:12-16 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

When is the last time we thought a liar was going to hell? Or what about a gossiper? Someone who tells raunchy jokes?  See my point?

It doesn’t matter what the sin is. These lists were not meant to cover everything that keeps us from heaven. They are examples. And YES, Jesus paid the price, so we are forgiven. But what do you think willfully doing these sins does to God’s heart?

What if you are in a monogamous relationship where both of you have agreed and promised to work through everything and never let it lead to divorce. Then one of you, willfully, goes out and has an affair. I mean, after all, you both agreed to work through EVERYTHING and not divorce. Does that hurt your partner (the one who will have to forgive you) any less?

James 4:17 “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

UGH! There is no way around this truth. Justifications do not work here. Either we believe the truth and extent of the scriptures or we do not.

So right now I ask in Jesus’ name that my mind be protected. I pray for peace beyond understanding. I pray for the freedom to enjoy the rest of the night. Amen

Until Next Time~
Blessings, Kate

Photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash

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