I read Genesis 18-19 this morning. You know, just some light reading about Sodom and Gomorrah??? My goodness.
“Sin is a violation of the very character of God, and because He is just, He must take action against it.” (From Foundations 260 reading plan).
None of us is free from sin. We are ALL sinners. Temptation is all around us every single day. Last night I was looking at movie trailers online and I stumbled upon one that is opening soon. I am not going to tell the name or the premise but my reaction when I saw it was to be drawn into the story…however it was about a sinful relationship. I won’t be seeing that movie.
Have you ever done something SO sinful that you literally held your head in shame? I know I have. We know something is wrong but it feels so good while we are doing it.
When we purposely put ourselves in sinful situations we are letting God down. Just because it FEELS good and everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it is okay for me to do it. Jesus walked with sinners but He was connected to God at all times. He was living in the world but not of the world. That is the goal of this journey…to become more like Jesus by taking notes and following his lead.
Since I began this journey I’ve realized my selfish desires to live IN the world is what has held me back from living the life God intended for me. A specific example for me is my past relationships with men. MOST of the men I have dated in the past expected sex early and I obliged pretty much every time. I thought if I gave them my body they would love me.
At 45 years old and single I FINALLY understand that sex is not love. Giving your body to another human being who doesn’t even respect themselves is not a relationship. I have had more restraint in the last five years than I have had since I lost my virginity at a young age. I wish I could go back in time and know what I know now and respect myself…living in the world but not of the world. But I am thankful I did finally become aware. My life was out of control. But finally I woke up.
This shift begins to happen when you are consciously aware that God is in all things. When you become aware (as Jesus was) it is easier to not do what everyone else is doing. You have a purpose beyond gratification of the flesh. You are a human being and you will fall backwards sometimes but your life begins to have more meaning. You respect yourself more. You are aware that you belong to God now, but you slowly figure out how to live in a world that doesn’t. You are IN the world but not OF the world because you now see that God is in all things. And it all points back to faith. Without it, it is impossible to please Him.
Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he who rewards those who seek him.
Just sharing my thoughts and what I am learning. Thankful for open eyes and for God’s mercy and grace. #sinnersaved
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive