Unpack This...Taking Sin SeriouslyПримерок

Nothing Serious

In every NFL game, players get injured and play through nagging injuries. Coaches, players, and doctors then have to decide how to handle the injuries and determine their severity.

Because every game is so crucial, players have to overlook their pain, downplay how injured they are, and quickly get back out there without fully healing.

This leads to people having these kinds of responses when viewing their injuries:

"It's no big deal, get back out there."

"It's just a minor ankle injury."

"Good, it's only a concussion - nothing more serious."

But these minor injuries compound, cause pain, and affect how players play. If they're not addressed and properly healed (regardless of how small an injury may be perceived to be), it can lead to other issues.

Sadly, a similar mindset can take over when viewing certain sins and commandments in the Bible. At times, we take particular sins lightly and casually downplay how they compound and cause pain to ourselves and others.

If we want to truly honor God and follow His ways, we can’t view sin as "nothing serious." We either desire to do His will, know His Word, and rely on His strength...or choose to pursue our selfish desires and view sin as no big deal.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to, "Reject every kind of evil.”

Romans 13:14 says, "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."

When our hearts are fully devoted to God, we maintain a deep desire for obedience. Although we still "get injured" at times, by grieving and repenting our sins, He readily heals our brokenness with forgiveness and grace.

Today, let’s allow the words of Psalm 119:10-11 to help us take an inventory of our hearts and give us the right perspective toward all sin: “I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not taking Your Word and Your clear commandments as seriously as I should. Please show me the areas I need to surrender, and give me a passion for obedience as I consider the undeserving grace and love You show me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.