This week we were asked at our group, what is sin? A question that has resounded in my heart since last Thursday. I believe that sin is anything that we do against God; any rebellion against God.
Based on the bible; in Genesis we read that shortly after the creation, came the fall. The serpent enticed us to disobey a simple command that God had given us. The serpent lied to us, but it does not matter whether was the serpent or not.
It does not matter whether it was a tree or not. God could have said; do not come here or go there, or anything else for that matter. What really matters is that, God asked us NOT to do something. But, we did just the opposite.
John 14:15-16 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever"
In my case, i lived my life in sin, for the most part. I rebelled against God because I wanted my way. I was selfish, egocentric, envious and angry, and until today I still have a hard time with my sin. God want's us to change; but he also knows that on our own strengths we cannot it. This is the reason why he sent us (believers) his spirit; who resides in us and helps us to discern what is good or bad.
Jesus tells us in John 14:15-16 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever". God knows that we need help; and not just for a week or so. Further down -in same chapter, he adds "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you". So, we are not doing this alone; Jesus is with us.
But we need to let God transform us. When we receive Jesus in our hearts then the transformation of the mind starts. We need to re-learn how to live, starting with our decisions and life style.
Change everything. Wow! that's a lot. Where to start? Well, we find a very good starting point in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things".
We need to guard our hearts and learn our new ways. We are not invincible...
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