Lies

A wise person once noted that, “Some of the most dangerous lies we listen to are the ones we tell ourselves.” We can quickly discount this, or we can consider the statement. Have you ever been in a situation that was a bit concerning? Perhaps you recognized the danger but tried to convince yourself that this temptation will not have a lasting effect, I can handle it. It is just a one time thing. Maybe you brush off the uncertain feelings and think if no one else saw me, I will never have to explain anything. Perhaps you need to tell half-truths or untruths that become lies. As a Christian, when you think something is a temptation for you, the indwelling holy Spirit has just convicted you of an impending danger. One of the most difficult lessons is that temptation and sin have voracious appetites. If nothing troubling occurred, you probably think that you go away with it. That boldness will never go away, you will always remember it and think you can overcome sin, alone. When this happens, Satan has gained a foothold and like Jesus, Satan will wait for the next opportunity. Another scholar, Ravi Zacharias says, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”
Those who work with those who continually attempt to deny they do sinful acts have found that sin unleashes unanticipated consequences that will rob them of their peace, diminish their integrity and cause them pain that’s never worth it. When we look at this statement, we need to personalize it; we need to make the 2nd person pronouns 1st person so it applies to ourselves. These slopes are slippery because we think no one else knows what we do or think, but this is not so. The indwelling Holy Spirit knows what we think, what we desire, what we do, what compromises we make, and which of His promptings we ignored. Sin flourishes in darkness, or hidden thoughts or acts. But if we will allow, the Holy Spirit will provide light to drive away the darkness. As Christians, we are to strive to live in the light. This is part of our sanctification pathway.