Rationalizing Sin
Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-7
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: I worship you with all my heart. Don't let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalms 119:10-12 CEV)
There are different levels of obedience, as any parent can attest. Take the child who knows he has had the allowed number of cookies. When you walk in on him munching all available bits and pieces, he says, "These weren't whole cookies." So technically, he only had a pile of pieces! Is that real obedience? Adults are often not much more obedient to God's Law. A man may consider himself an honest person, even as he takes office supplies from work. He says, "Hey, I put in a lot of extra effort around here. This company owes me." We rationalize our sinfulness and legitimize our behavior until we convince ourselves that, although we are not "perfect," we love God and "try" to do our best.
Obedient Christians do follow the laws of justice, mercy, and truth – We treasure them because God has written them on our hearts. Others understand intellectually but choose to do what seems expedient to them, rather than taking God’s narrow path. We disobey and think that He will understand our vulnerability. However, our Heavenly Father has already sent Jesus to redeem us. So, he who has the Word of God in his heart controls his behavior as a dutiful child obeys a loving parent.
Today’s meditation: God sees ALL your sin – Pray for His help.
Memory Verse: With wisdom, you will learn what is right and honest and fair. (Proverbs 2:9 CEV)
Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-7
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: I worship you with all my heart. Don't let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalms 119:10-12 CEV)
There are different levels of obedience, as any parent can attest. Take the child who knows he has had the allowed number of cookies. When you walk in on him munching all available bits and pieces, he says, "These weren't whole cookies." So technically, he only had a pile of pieces! Is that real obedience? Adults are often not much more obedient to God's Law. A man may consider himself an honest person, even as he takes office supplies from work. He says, "Hey, I put in a lot of extra effort around here. This company owes me." We rationalize our sinfulness and legitimize our behavior until we convince ourselves that, although we are not "perfect," we love God and "try" to do our best.
Obedient Christians do follow the laws of justice, mercy, and truth – We treasure them because God has written them on our hearts. Others understand intellectually but choose to do what seems expedient to them, rather than taking God’s narrow path. We disobey and think that He will understand our vulnerability. However, our Heavenly Father has already sent Jesus to redeem us. So, he who has the Word of God in his heart controls his behavior as a dutiful child obeys a loving parent.
Today’s meditation: God sees ALL your sin – Pray for His help.
Memory Verse: With wisdom, you will learn what is right and honest and fair. (Proverbs 2:9 CEV)
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