And then Andrea Seu writes this and I'm found wanting. She calls it "un-faith."
We're discussing Jerry Bridges "Respectable Sins" in Sunday School.
I believe this would fall into that category.
Have you noticed that sin is completely unfashionable to discuss in polite company?
I know I'm not cheating on my husband and I haven't stolen any mink furs or jewelry from the department store as far as the ten commandments are concerned, but other bothersome lists crop up all over the Bible.
Ephesians 4:29 bothers me with, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." So the rant I gave Sam this morning after he strung old wet coffee grounds through two rooms wasn't exactly or even remotely building him up.
Then I zip up to verse 17, 18 and 19 where I'm reminded not to live in the "futility" of Gentile thinking caused by heart hardening which results in loss of sensitivity. Hmmm....so spending my time looking for what is permissible, instead of what is beneficial as a Christian would probably fit in that category. Who have I caused to stumble by justifying some grayish, toe-the-very-edge-of-the-line sort of things that aren't "bad" like murder and theft but aren't focusing my attention on serving my Savior or pointing those around me in a Jesus direction?
Then there is all the air time I waste rationalizing my grayish behaviors. Talking, talking about how they need to change. Not talking, talking to the only One who can assist me out of my rut.
The three walks I took yesterday when I had the wide open opportunity don't make up for my lack of discipline on a regular basis when clearing my head with a walk and a talk with my Savior actually take effort.
My impatience at training and correcting my passel of children doesn't give me a free pass to complain to anyone else about my woes. It really does very little good.
Oh that I could be regularly reminded of my wretchedness. The little respectable sins that are stinking up my life stuffed around in the corners need some regular disinfecting.
We're discussing Jerry Bridges "Respectable Sins" in Sunday School.
I believe this would fall into that category.
Have you noticed that sin is completely unfashionable to discuss in polite company?
I know I'm not cheating on my husband and I haven't stolen any mink furs or jewelry from the department store as far as the ten commandments are concerned, but other bothersome lists crop up all over the Bible.
Ephesians 4:29 bothers me with, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." So the rant I gave Sam this morning after he strung old wet coffee grounds through two rooms wasn't exactly or even remotely building him up.
Then I zip up to verse 17, 18 and 19 where I'm reminded not to live in the "futility" of Gentile thinking caused by heart hardening which results in loss of sensitivity. Hmmm....so spending my time looking for what is permissible, instead of what is beneficial as a Christian would probably fit in that category. Who have I caused to stumble by justifying some grayish, toe-the-very-edge-of-the-line sort of things that aren't "bad" like murder and theft but aren't focusing my attention on serving my Savior or pointing those around me in a Jesus direction?
Then there is all the air time I waste rationalizing my grayish behaviors. Talking, talking about how they need to change. Not talking, talking to the only One who can assist me out of my rut.
The three walks I took yesterday when I had the wide open opportunity don't make up for my lack of discipline on a regular basis when clearing my head with a walk and a talk with my Savior actually take effort.
My impatience at training and correcting my passel of children doesn't give me a free pass to complain to anyone else about my woes. It really does very little good.
Oh that I could be regularly reminded of my wretchedness. The little respectable sins that are stinking up my life stuffed around in the corners need some regular disinfecting.
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