I love reading God’s word. It always gives me a mixed bag of emotions; joy, peace, a good spanking, a healthy dose of godly-fear, and so much more.
The bible is God’s Instruction Book for Life. It is also a Love Letter to us from Him. There are many lessons to be learned from others, good and bad.
When I read 1 John 8-10 this morning, my thoughts went to a particular situation that I know someone is going through at this moment. They did wrong (we all do), they got caught (praise the Lord), confessed (hallelujah), but they don’t have any regret in committing their sin (heartache).
The verses read:
“If we say that we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar and that we don’t accept his true teaching.” 1 John 1:8-10
So I contacted one of the godliest, trusting, real, and most knowledgeable men I know and asked his opinion regarding this particular situation and these bible verses. I wanted to know if this part of scripture is referring to ANY sin, even breaking the laws of the land. He replied, “Well, yes. The point is we all sin (Roman 3:23), and if we say we don’t then we lie. Yea, the law of the land too, but even hateful thoughts, lust, selfishness, etc.”
There’s that aforementioned “healthy dose of godly-fear”. I appreciate God’s word for providing a jolt of reality and reverence to my Lord and Savior.
Godly-fear isn’t an anxious feeling, it is more of a respect and awe for God. This type of fear is a positive reverence for the Creator.
Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. God has come to test you and instill a deep and reverent awe within you so that you won’t sin.” Exodus 20:20
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Psalm 119:38
My son, pay attention to what I say. Remember my commands. 2 Listen to wisdom, and do your best to understand. 3 Ask for good judgment. Cry out for understanding. 4 Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God. Proverbs 2:1-5
Now, I’m quite confident that my friend’s predicament is experienced by many, and we all tend to go on with our daily lives as if everything is fine. In reality, it’s not fine with God.
When we do something legally or morally wrong, there needs to be a brokenness within us and make it right; make it right with ourselves, others, and especially our Heavenly Father.
When we are not remorseful or don’t even admit that we did wrong, we are calling God a liar. OUCH! All I’m saying is…repent, and run the other way! Run to Jesus.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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