It's an old-fashioned question, one we don't talk about much because it's an unpopular subject. But like it or not, sin still exists and at times we still choose it. We sometimes fool ourselves into thinking that our sin isn't as bad as the sin of others. After all, we're not out killing innocent people like ISIL is doing in the Middle East and we have a right to our superior attitude because of _________ (fill in the blank).
However, I know from experience that sin's promises are empty and hollow. There is no lasting peace or joy or freedom. Every time I've taken that road, at the end I've found only an arid, desolate desert, much like the land of Mordor.
Thankfully, when I cry out to God, He comes swiftly to rescue me, as on eagles' wings. He holds me close and tells me He loves me. No recriminations. No guilt trips. Only love. And with His arms wrapped tight around me, He lovingly whispers, “My dear, sweet child, are you ready to let go of that lie?”
And there in the safety of His embrace, my heart overwhelmed by His love and grace, I see the lie exposed in all its evil and I gladly renounce and repent of my agreement with the Enemy. Only then am I truly free.
Since people have to have their own epiphanies, I will not tell you what to do with your sin. I can only tell you what I've done with mine. All my sin, all the lies I've believed, all the prideful attitudes I've held, all the times I've pitied myself as a victim or a martyr, all the anger, hatred and judgment that I've carried – all of it I've given to Jesus.
In return He has healed my wounded heart. He has taught me truth – even the hard truths about myself. Without guilt, He has shown me the root of my bad attitudes and without fail, no matter how it's dressed up, every time it seems I've fallen for the same lie; the lie that I can be god. It's the same lie that got Lucifer kicked out of Heaven.
Therefore the only safe path for me is humility, gratitude and love. I will always choose Jesus over my sins. I've seen the results of both choices in my life and Jesus is far and away the better – only – choice!
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Mark 12:29-31 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”
Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”