Occasional Sin in the Safe

Like many people, I have a small, fireproof box to keep car titles, passports and an heirloom ring, among other valuable items. I only access it when I need to.  It got me thinking about other things we keep in safe places.  I’d say most Christians are familiar with what habits, and forms of conduct, God considers sinful. So, knowing full well what is displeasing/sinful, why is it then that many folks keep a couple around in a safe place.  Let’s say you like to drink, I’m not talking about the infrequent social cocktail, but the kind that leads to drunkenness. I know numerous people who try to rationalize their behavior by saying that since they don’t do it every night, and go to church every week, God doesn’t mind. And for heaven’s sake, don’t be the fool who attempts to point out, scripturally, that they are walking on a slippery slope!  The hackles will go up, and you’ll find yourself being called a judgmental, Bible-thumper!

Does God encourage us to keep a little sin, for our personal enjoyment, as long as we do other good stuff?  Is it possible to keep a little adultery, anger, or sexual perversion?  Can you keep a bit of Ebola around and not get sick? Perhaps you’re married, but you have a lover you see only once a month or so, you don’t want a divorce, no one is being hurt, and you love your spouse, so how bad can that be?  Pretty bad, if you are the unsuspecting spouse. But that’s exactly what we do to God; we cheat on him, and think he doesn’t mind! “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.” Galatians 6:7.  I would have to question the relationship a person like that has with God.  Were they ever really, saved, or do they think church membership is their ticket to heaven?

While none of us is immune to the alluring siren call of sin, the power of the indwelling, grieving Holy Spirit should be sufficient to turn us away.  “And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.” Ephesians 4:30.  And please, don’t fall back on the old, “I didn’t realize it was sin”, or “this is the way I’ve always been, I can’t help it.”  Neither one will stand up in a court of law, let alone with our Father.  If you’re not sure what displeases God, check your Bible, but here’s a short list: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:20-21.  I’d say that’s pretty darn clear! There is no “little sin” in God’s economy, anger is as detestable as murder.

 Do you have an occasional sin you keep in your safe? “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” Galatians 5:24. So what are you waiting for, open it up and start nailing!