Do you have a favorite personal accomplishment?
My first 10K really stands out. I had run 6 miles before, but never competitively and over such a brutal course of hills. My trial runs generally timed just over an hour, but that day I finished in 59:16. Stoked does not begin to describe my feelings crossing the finish line.
Regardless of our accomplishments, they all have on thing in common...effort. This came up during a conversation with a friend recently. His men's small group shares some real accountability, and some of the guys were celebrating the sins they hadn't participated in.
At least until the psychologist in the group spoke up.
At least until the psychologist in the group spoke up.
"Don't celebrate something a dead guy can do. You didn't look at pornography or scream at your wife? Neither does a dead guy."
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:17
Which do you think God most wants from us: to avoid sin or pursue righteousness? A dead person has no problem avoiding sin, but to pursue righteousness requires a pulse.
Which do you think God most wants from us: to avoid sin or pursue righteousness? A dead person has no problem avoiding sin, but to pursue righteousness requires a pulse.
If you've avoided profanity-laced outbursts for an entire month, that's awesome! But is your intent to curb the spicy language or to change the vocabulary of your heart? Faith is shown by our choices. Not that we merely avoided sin, but intentionally chose righteousness.
What sins are you avoiding? Are they merely on hold, or are you prayerfully adjusting your heart as an act of faith and obedience? You have a pulse, so go live God's purposes!
My final encouragement to you is two-fold:
My final encouragement to you is two-fold:
- Celebrate the accomplishments of avoiding sin!
- Go beyond avoidance and pursue obedience!
