Monday, June 14, 2021

Sin May Promise Joy But Its Fruit Is Always Sorrow

 “‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I [Jesus] say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.  “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.” – Matthew 5:27-32

When Jesus came – He did not make right living easier – in fact, He raised the bar on right and wrong. He took it from a list of 10 things to do and not do to a whole new level. He took it from the outside – observable actions – to the inside – the thoughts and heart of man.  Keep in mind that although the principles in the Bible apply to all human kind, it is a revelation to the children of God and is only “doable” by the power of God in us.  The Spiritual truth can only be understood by those who are sealed with the Spirit of God. Those who have the mind of Christ.

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For ‘who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 2:13-16

I am using the examples of adultery and divorce but they are only two examples of the nature of sin.  The sins of mankind are legion. The nature of sin is that it is a promise of joy and peace, but its fruit is sorrow and tribulation. There is always going to be a clash between the Lord’s design and man’s living.  It started in the Garden and persists to this day and will persist until Jesus returns.  Contrary to popular belief, people do not get better on their own. They can want to “give peace a chance” but when it comes down to it – peace does not have a chance in the natural world – sin gets in the way – every time.  I imagine when some of you read the reference from Matthew 5 – you have been affected in some way by divorce and be reminded of it. People get married for all kinds of reasons. Love, of course, is in the mix, but love in itself is not enough to overcome our sinful nature. I won’t pretend to understand all of the ins and outs of divorce, especially among Christians.  I do know what I have seen and personally experienced growing up in a divorced home. Everyone in the family is wounded by the divorce. But God is Jehovah Rafa – the God who heals. And he can bring healing.  My mom became a Christian long after her divorce – and she had a wonderful ministry and was a godly influence on many people. But those wounds become scars and the effects persist in the lives of those affected throughout their – my – lifetime. God forgives us (1 John 1:9) but does not necessarily relieve us of the consequences.  But I am reminded and am thankful that … His grace is sufficient. My point is don’t believe the lie that the “kids will be OK” as a justification for the rightness of choosing to divorce – even if the divorce is necessary. And it may be. But no matter, sin will bring you sorrow.  

Don’t confuse the temptation to sin and sin. The first leads to the second. Pastor Greg Laurie, when speaking of temptation and sin said “You cannot keep a bird from flying over your head (temptation), but you can keep it from making a nest in your hair (sin).” John cautioned us in that regard.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

Think about it – Pray about it - Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

No comments: