It never ceases to amaze me how many people are caught in adulterous affairs, cheating at work, lying to friends, falsifying records...I'll stop there. I could go on you know.
Ok. Let me stop and clarify. I am not perfect. In fact, when I get to heaven, I want to challenge Paul on the "chief sinner" thing. I know I'm flawed, but I think if I mess up and get caught, I say, "I messed up!"
It astounds me to watch the news and see how many people are trying to avoid the punishment for something they did.
As Christians we are taught in Scripture to watch out for the temptations. Avoid the temptations at all cost, but know that there are consequences for your actions. Being forgiven by God does not always take away the consequences.
Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV) 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
So here is a marvelous idea. In fact you should have thought of it by now. If you are doing something wrong, STOP! Ask God to forgive you. Then, here is the hardest part, ask the person you have wronged to forgive you. Accept the consequences and move on working diligently to not continue in the sinful behavior.
We are all sinners. We all mess up, but we also all have the ability to ask for forgiveness.
So what are going to do about that thing in your life that you know is wrong?
Just wondering.
