DEAD, YET STILL ALIVE

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The invisibility of my sin to the human eye doesn’t make me a saint.

Being born and bred in a Christian home does not automatically have a preacher’s kid operate as holier than anyone else is; you know like scripture quoting, tongue speaking and may be (just maybe) demon chasing. We do not exist in a sin free bubble. Allow me to let you in on the reality that just like you, our battle with sin is constant. Probably even worse for us because the enemy is not impressed with one big happy Christian family.

I will speak for myself and maybe a few more who may read this and identify with the struggle. Over time we simply create schemes to deal with our fallen nature if not feed the sin.

For instance many at times, given that majority expect me to uphold the virtues of Christianity, if for one reason or the other I find myself in sin, or in a continuous cycle of engaging in it, I may bury it rather than confess it. I mean what people don’t know won’t hurt them right?

Other times, I will choose to justify it; rationalizing why I lied, why I was jealous, or why I got angry and bitter and did not forgive my friend for offending me so badly and not seeing the need to apologize. Oh and did I mention I sometimes have a big mouth? I and my big mouth may at times have exclusive data to spread while catching up on week’s gossip with the girlfriends. (God is working on me, so handle with grace ok?)

I think I am more inclined to comparison though. Sometimes because of my insecurity, other times because of my pride. I mean there are those “that have committed greater sins than I will in my lifetime. For real, could we just take a minute and thank God for my current ‘not-so-deadly’ lifestyle? I could be on the list of the most wanted criminals for being a murderer on the loose out to revenge on all my enemies. But all I did was say a white lie. All I did was ‘justifiably’ speak my mind because she/he had to know how I really feel.”

But here is the reality; MY SIN IS FULL OF LIFE. I try hard to contain and manage it rather than dispose it. And because I do not acknowledge the grace of God for what it really is, I dismiss it.

It doesn’t matter what you try or invent to camouflage a sin. The only response to it that can ever fully and completely erase it is what author and motivational speaker Sharon Jaynes calls “unadulterated repentance.” Where you humble yourself before God and bare the truth of the sin that you have committed. To repent simply means to turn around from. This turning around is possible but the task comes in living and walking continually in the ways of God. It’s one thing to be restored; it is another thing to stay on the path that you have been restored to. 

Running from sin is a choice. Still, too many times we put in more effort negotiating to attempt the sin rather than doing things as per the word. We flirt with ideas rather than turn and run. There’s this self-confidence we possess that make us believe we can handle sin and so we take ourselves knowingly to it or keep it company on the side line. That my dear friend is a free pass for the enemy to fulfill His agenda, “to steal, kill and destroy.” 

 

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If you dare the enemy you may be destroyed even before you’re abducted.

Do not put yourself in a situation that gives the opportunity to flirt with sin or places that make it easier to sin. Do not provide extra ammunition for the enemy.

My revelations and lessons of late are as follows;

Neutrality in Christianity is foolish and more so dangerous for believer. You’re either renewed or consumed; both can’t take place at the same time. So immunize your heart mind, body and soul-RUN! Admit you are lost and helpless without God. (John 15:5) But remember, God’s love is unconditional and His forgiveness is endless.

Know when to pray and when to flee. Some of us expect to be filled with some miraculous super power that will automatically be infused in us to overcome a temptation. Flee then pray afterwards, for renewal of strength to overcome once again.

When you know better you do better; know the scriptures.

Rationalization and comparison are patterns that can eventually change once you know and practice the word. The word penetrates right through to your heart and once your heart is changed, it influences your habits. Your habits then reflect on your lifestyle. And your lifestyle ultimately draws others to Jesus, right where they ought to be-with Him.

1 Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you expect what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

See your actions through the lens of Christ with no pretense. I may not boldly flaunt my sins on my sleeve, but the truth is that the active work of the Holy Spirit will not give me peace until I admit my sin exists. Pretense before God is like standing trying to hide a candle with your palms. With time, you feel the heat and you have no choice but to distance yourself or get burnt. Be honest. Hiding sin simply leads to more sin. But if you are out to regain your peace, then repentance is always the way out-not concealment. Wouldn’t you want a stop to the mind games? I know I do.

 

There are many instances, in my struggle to jot down the epistles of my life that I wish I could write from a place of perfection- but I can’t. I know all too well the incessant combat between the flesh walk and the faith walk. However familiar I am on how to do the faith walk, disappointingly, I still choose time and again to continue in my fleshy walk.

Still, I aspire to excellence. Excellence in my words, deeds, thoughts and lifestyle. Daily I am reminded that though absent in the flesh, Jesus Christ has left with us a helper-the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 14:26). Every minute of every day I admit, I need help to do life the godly way. I may have been equipped for it, but I need help to actively do it well. This requires an invitation for the Holy Spirit, to dwell within. His presence brings about an alert mind and an engaged heart to the promptings that lead to life and life in abundance. 

Join me therefore in asking God for the courage to resist sin, the swiftness to flee from it and the empowerment to walk in step with the spirit and thus not gratify to the raging desires of yours and my flesh. 

©namwano