Some people have the idea that there are small and big sins. They think some are ok and some are not. But according to the Bible all sin is wicked in God's eyes. No one "gets away" with sin. We will all suffer consequences for the things we do or don't do.
Special situations do not justify any kind of sin. It's still disobedience to God no matter the circumstances.
When children of God know the law of God and still willfully disobey we will suffer loss.
"To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17
God made it very clear to Saul that his sin of rebellion was just as bad as witchcraft.
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king" 1 Samuel 15:23
During the early church when they were having great growth many people were giving lots of their possessions for the cause of Christ. They were not made to do that, they just wanted to give and see the church grow. But there was one couple Ananias and Sapphira, that got caught up in the excitement of giving. They told everyone they gave all they had, but actually they had kept back a portion for themselves. Because they lied they both died in the church. It wasn't required for them to give it all, but the fact that they lied about giving it all, God took their lives. They lied to the man of God and to God himself.
No sin is justifiable in God's eyes. Yes sometimes His grace spares us the punishment we deserve but he is hoping that we will acknowledge our mistakes and turn away from them.
"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Romans 5:20
Not getting immediate consequences for our sin is not an approval from God on our actions. Stealing one cent is still thievery. Cheating on your spouse only once is still adultery. Lying to the police about speeding is still lying. Yes, when we get saved our sins are forgiven, past-present-future. Staying in sin will not send us to hell, if we are saved, but it will steal our joy and cause us to suffer loss in our lives.
Our flesh gives us a fight every day when we wake up. We have a choice to make...please the flesh or please God.
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41
Self Sacrifice in Ministry & Mothering
If you know anything about being in the ministry you know that its constantly sacrificing your time and energy for others. Its not easy because my flesh does not want to do those things. My spirit knows what is right and wants to do good for others, but my body does not.
We don't always see results from those things we do for others. Most of the time we won't see any kind of reward from sacrifice until we get to heaven. If you have the Holy Spirit living within you, then you should have the desire to live for Him. Living for God means dying to myself daily.
If we can learn to ignore what we want to instead do for someone else we will then be able to understand true sacrifice. Giving our lives to serve others and tell them about Jesus is not easy but it is worth it. Its the same way with mothering. I have to daily remember that my children need me and my life is not just about me anymore. Homeschooling 4 boys is definitely a daily challenge with many distractions and interruptions. The biggest challenge is not getting frustrated when they all need me at once.
I want to be the best mother and wife I can be. My flesh doesn't always want to cooperate. Sometimes I just want to stay in bed all day without having to cook or fold clothes. Sacrifice is something I have to do daily in order to honor God and take care of my children. My children's needs come before my wants.
Do you know what it's like to REALLY sacrifice your time or energy for those around you?
We don't always see results from those things we do for others. Most of the time we won't see any kind of reward from sacrifice until we get to heaven. If you have the Holy Spirit living within you, then you should have the desire to live for Him. Living for God means dying to myself daily.
If we can learn to ignore what we want to instead do for someone else we will then be able to understand true sacrifice. Giving our lives to serve others and tell them about Jesus is not easy but it is worth it. Its the same way with mothering. I have to daily remember that my children need me and my life is not just about me anymore. Homeschooling 4 boys is definitely a daily challenge with many distractions and interruptions. The biggest challenge is not getting frustrated when they all need me at once.
I want to be the best mother and wife I can be. My flesh doesn't always want to cooperate. Sometimes I just want to stay in bed all day without having to cook or fold clothes. Sacrifice is something I have to do daily in order to honor God and take care of my children. My children's needs come before my wants.
Do you know what it's like to REALLY sacrifice your time or energy for those around you?
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