Daily Thoughts – August 30th
“Therefore,
beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will
not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure
standing.” – 2 Peter 3:17 (in context)
“God is the universal energy that we come from”
“God loves me regardless of my choices, I know I’m forgiven”
“I live the way I want to live, and I know God will forgive my actions”
“All gods are the same, and as long as we are good, he loves us”
“There’s a higher power, but I wouldn’t call it God”
“I’m a good person, sure I have sex outside of marriage, swear, and lie; but by being good, he’ll forgive me”
Let’s face it, there are people you come in contact with every day that believe similarly to any of the above. We acknowledge that God exists, and that we believe in God in order to get to heaven, but can we really say we are following Him? What does it mean to follow God?
The scriptures tell us:
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” - Eph 5:1-2
“No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” – Luke 13:5
“Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish, and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.” – Rev 16:10-11
Repent in Greek is (μετενόησα) metenoēsan; turn around, retreat from, back away, and changing one’s action. Accepting Jesus Christ brings salvation to the lost, but repenting from our sinful actions is a necessity. God doesn’t conform His rules to our desires, to our beliefs, or actions. No, we must conform to His. After all, He is sovereign, He is Lord, He is God Almighty. He alone determines right from wrong, and righteousness from unrighteousness. Claiming to be saved but remaining in sinful actions, knowing that they are sinful, is like slapping God in the face, and spitting upon Christ’s salvation.
Not one of us can live without sin. I’m not claiming that you have too. But, to continue to walk in repetition of our sins is creating separation between you and the Father. Fall to your knees, earnestly ask forgiveness of these sinful actions, accept that God has forgiven you, and then turn from these actions as you move forward. You will be tempted, because Satan doesn’t give up that easily. He knows your weakness’ and how to convince you that it isn’t so bad. This is when we call on God for strength and protection. It’s not easy. I struggle with it every day, as does your Pastor, your spiritual leaders, and your biblical mentors. David struggled, Peter struggled, Paul struggled, and even Jesus was tempted by Satan, so don’t for one second believe that you won’t be.
The world looks at God as a comfortable daddy, who won’t care if I sin. His love and forgiveness is very real, but that doesn’t mean it’s unrestricted. You are sinning against God, not just against mankind. In 2 Samuel 12:13 David states, “I have sinned against the Lord.” He doesn’t state I have sinned against Bathsheba, or Uriah, or the people of Israel. No – through adultery with Bathsheba and murdering Uriah, he sinned against God. God is omnipotent and knows your heart and your thoughts before you have ever committed a sin. He knows you are weak and wants you to come to Him before sinning, for His wisdom and strength to overcome. There will be a judgement day, you will kneel before the Lord and be judged.
In His sovereignty and through His grace, He has provided you the salvation. Your job is to live with Him and to trust in Him for your remaining days, so that on judgement day you will come before Him washed by the blood of the Lamb. Study His word daily, speak with Him daily, seek His wisdom, repent daily of your sins (yes, daily), and share His love with others every day. You are His child, He will guide your steps.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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