Unmasked - Dare to Be the Real Youናሙና

DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

Sin is insidious and subtle and may not be ignored at any stage. It is potentially the most damaging mask of them all. Whenever we mention that word, we may automatically feel dirty and may have flashbacks to something in our past...or our present. I assure you, it is easier to deal with sin early on, before it becomes a habit that will destroy our lives. Do not be fooled by sin when it first raises its head and think that it’s nothing you can’t handle. Little sins grow up and become big sins; they are not harmless, but distracting and destructive. 

Let’s take a look at what Ephesians 4:31 says about ‘little’ sins: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." We are to get rid of sins before they grow into ‘big’ sins. We should not overlook sin in ourselves or in others, nor should we say, “That’s just who he is/I am.” However, as we look seriously at our sin, it is just as important to remember how big God is and how, because of His great mercy, He has redeemed us. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be kind, and compassionate, and forgiving of others - just like God treats us.

To make the best decisions possible, and to remind us to look out for sin in our lives, here’s a helpful acronym: D.R.I.F.T.

D - Distractions

R - Refusing to repent

I - Intentional acts of disobedience

F - Fake community

T - Treasuring something/someone more than Jesus

So, what can we do if we are experiencing the D.R.I.F.T? Great question. We can use these three simple steps:    

1. Confession: Confess to Jesus that you have been drifting and you need Him.   
2. Community: Speak to someone you trust within your community and allow God’s grace to make you whole. 
3. Choose: Commit to sharing the good news you have received.

Remember, we are not mastered by sin. In Christ, we are free from its hold; nothing can hold onto us anymore if we confess our sins and acknowledge that Jesus has set us free from those things.

TAKEAWAYS

What role does forgiveness play in being redeemed from sin?

How can the knowledge that God always forgives us be abused?

How can we live in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from God’s love? (Romans 8:38)

DECLARATIONS

Jesus, I am deciding to trust You with my life. I acknowledge that You are the only one who can save me. Forgive me of my sins. I repent of my past. I believe You are the Son of God, You died on a cross, and You rose again so I could be free. Right now, in this moment, as I read the words on this page, I receive Your love. I receive Your grace. I receive Your forgiveness, and I am asking You, Jesus, to be the Lord of my life. I receive this new life. From this day forward, I am a follower of Christ. In Jesus name. Amen. 

REFLECTIONS

What does freedom mean to you?

How would you use the following words to help you remove the mask of sin: confess, community, choose?