Eza 9:11b 'The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. (ESV)
We have an enemy who is a liar. The Enemy would convince us that good is evil and evil is good. That is what he did in the Garden of Eden. As believers we need to learn to recognize the lie. The scriptures talk about the "pleasures of sin for a season." It is a short season. Sin always leaves its mark. We see the laughing and dancing. We don't see the vomiting, fighting, shame and hangover that follow. We see the tingle of excitement but we don't see the loneliness of a one night stand, the shame that follows the sin, the disease that ravages bodies because of an immoral lifestyle, and the emptiness and insecurity of a physical relationship without commitment. We hear about the freedom that results when a single, pregnant young woman chooses to get rid of the fetus. What we don't see is the guilt under which she lives, the physical damage to her body caused by the abortion, the times that she is haunted by doubt, wondering what might have happened to that little one she so violently had "removed" from her body. We see people who apparently live with no guilt, enjoying these "seasons" of sin. What we don't see is the scarred and callused conscience that dulls the joy along with the guilt. That's why addictions form and actions get increasingly sinful. It takes a little more drug, a little more alcohol, a little more depravity to bring the same tingle of happiness, until there is no enjoyment left and yet the sin persists.
We have an enemy who is a liar. We need to learn to see past the smoke screen to the truth and see the true nature of sin. It is, by its very nature, impurity, abomination and uncleanness.
Father, I confess that I have too often bought the lies about sin. Forgive me. Give me eyes to recognize the lies and see the truth. Give me compassion for those caught in the muck of sin, but the wisdom to know how vulnerable I am. Give me a love for truth and righteousness.
Gal 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (ESV)
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
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