1) Until the entirety of God’s word becomes our absolute standard, our resolve would be blurry.
Undoubtedly, there are some sayings one might unconsciously adopt without weighing in through the scriptures, but the downside is that as neutral or innocent as they sound, they can subtly weaken one’s resolve.
One of those is ‘nobody holy pass’ which is pidgin or no one is perfect.
This maxim which is not uncommon to stumble on while surfing social media infers that no one is holy in that sense, which in a context could be to encourage someone to be gentle & not hard on himself as humans are prone to mistakes and in another extreme context could come off as indulging the offender and spiting those trying to uphold godly standards.
I think it’s important for Christians to take a step ahead and embrace God’s perspectives
Matthew 5:48 KJV
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Amplified
You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Here’s is a reminder that perfection is God’s standard for his children.
Let righteousness be defined by the Holy Spirit
Not by your pastor or your parents,
Not by your boss or your friends
Not by social media
Take to being wrong as the Father whispers even when the world applauds.
The end result is that one’s sensitivity moves from being sharpened by parental upbringing, cultural norms, man made doctrines to being finetuned by The Holy Spirit.
2) No sin is heinous than the other.
Sexual sins have been magnified from the pulpit down to the pew -the resultant effect of some Christians now wallowing in every other ‘lil sin’
While there are varying consequences for different sins, all are of the same weight.
Ephesians 5:6 Let no one delude and deceive you with empty excuses and groundless arguments [for these sins], for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion and disobedience.
The chapter from the beginning mentions some other sins not uncommon to find amongst Christians- uncleanness(dirtiness), covetousness, foolish talking and jesting.
I like that the Bible is such a leveler reminding us that the person who makes inappropriate jest needs grace & forgiveness just as much as the fornicator.
Important to reiterate that personally and experientially I’ve come to learn that Indulging in the ‘smallest sin’ gradually erodes one’s conviction.
3) The end purpose is to strip you of your testimony & confidence
The end purpose of sin is for us to be so wrapped in guilt that we forget the victory God has given us.
Sin wants to hold you a prisoner forever in guilt.
“Ehnn, shey you’ve done it before? It doesn’t matter anymore”
“You’ve done exam malpractice so it doesn’t change anything whether you do it now or not”
Tell that voice, that was in the past & you’ve been forgiven.
When a believer fails to rise from the fallen state in victory over sin, they become silenced and will be able to speak about everything else except righteousness.
Awolehin GLORIA
This is what the devil is best at doing- stripping believers of their identity & confidence.
It is your duty to look him in the face and tell him to get off !
In Christ Jesus is your victory & your voice!
4) Personal accountability is germane.
This is the very first step in rising from sin and walking in righteousness.
It’s human to fault the other person like Adam did and I also know it’s more liberating to recognize, affirm and humbly present our failures to God.
Be sincere in your thoughts
What could I have done differently?
How was I not sensitive to the Spirit’s leading?
Where was I disobedient?
At what point did I become overconfident?
I truly conceded to the temptation at this point
It is then grace can be poured out.
You might want to read HEALING THE BRUISES OF PAST SINS
5) Righteousness has company so does sin.
Every temptation won strengthens one’s resolve just like every sin beckons on others.
Let’s remember David: Sloth-Lust-Adultery-Murder
Lets remember Joseph: Integrity-Promotion-Preserver of destiny
Take a look at when you did things rightly at your workplace or in your school.
Yeah, you might have been booed by your classmates or your colleagues which was in the short term
But in the long term, see how your reputation was preserved in the company when you didn’t falsify figures.
Righteousness brings peace
Righteousness brings safety
Righteousness brings trust
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.
Have you ever imagined if every one in your country was righteous?
The bliss is incomparable.
This is so insightful.
God bless you more my dear sister
I’m glad it blessed you ma’am.
Please do not hesitate to share with some others. Thank you.