How much touch is actually ok?
Well, I would like to start by changing the question a bit. I grew up always asking God, "How far is too far?" Suddenly, my junior year of college, I started to ask the Lord, "What is most glorifying to you?" So, in the context of a relationship, we should also ask- what is most glorifying to God? We should also view relationships in general in that way- especially marriage! Marriage is intended to glorify God primarily; the end goal is not the simply make us happy- God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in HIM, not a husband. So, how can we glorify God in our physical relationship? Well, obviously, sex outside of marriage is bad. GREAT in marriage (from what I hear), but sin outside of it. That is the firm line in the sand. And sex, for our purposes, can be defined as any contact with the nether-regions. I would say that contact with a "bathing suit area" is not advocated either. However, outside of that, Scripture is pretty quiet. It doesn't have rules for hand holding, cuddling, making out, etc. But, one verse has greatly impacted my view: Proverbs 31:12, "She does good to her husband all the days of her life." THAT INCLUDES RIGHT NOW. Is your behavior with your boyfriend beneficial to your future husband- whoever that may be? Another question I usually ask myself is "would I be ashamed if a Godly friend/mentor found out what we were doing? Would this be something shameful if the public found out? Would it hurt my witness?"
But again, there is gray area that is different for each couple. It is all about what is going to lead you in to temptation. Also, be wise and set the boundary a bit more conservatively that what you feel you can handle- because chances are you'll cross the line. Add in a little buffer.
Hope that was beneficial! Be sure to share with your friends if you found it helpful :)
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A little Q&A
Hey guys! Since the last post on relationships, I've gotten a bit of feedback from different people. Fortunately, the post seemed to be an encouragement for most of you, so praise the Lord for that! He is so faithful.
However, some ladies also brought up some valid questions that I think would be well worth answering for those of us who are single, dating, or moving towards marriage (or even maturing in marriage). I've got two questions so far, and I'll answer the first one in this post. If you all have any other questions, PLEASE message me or leave it in the comments section- I'll keep everything anonymous, I promise :)
The first question is how can we honor God in our relationships?
Almost every couple I have talked to that was pursuing a Godly relationship was forced to ask themselves this questions at some point. However, the solution is different for each couple.
So, how can we honor God with relationships? Well, it's a great start to NOT dishonor Him. Definitely maintain purity (more on that later!) and obey His commands. However, to make the switch from the defensive (not dishonoring) to the offensive (intentionally honoring God with your relationship) can be a tough transition. Again, it is unique for each couple, but here are some examples that I think can be universally applied:
A) PRAY FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND. And let him know you are praying for him! Pray WITH him. Invite him to pray for you. Ask how you can be praying for him, and pray each day for his spiritual strength, his walk with the Lord, opportunities for him to share the Gospel, for his purity, his struggles, etc.(also, single gals- this is a GREAT habit to start before you're dating/married! Even if you don't know who Mr. Right is, God does).
B) LET HIM LEAD. I always say that I don't want to be the type of woman who FORCES a guy to man-up/lead- I want to be the type of woman who will INVITE him to. Apply that in your relationship. If this relationship could potentially be heading towards marriage (which should be a possibility if you're dating), then you need to know if you are comfortable with him leading, and you submitting. That's why dating is so essential! If he is leading in a way you don't want to submit to- then leave. Allow him to be the man in the relationship. RESPECT him, in your words, actions, and attitude (Ephesians 5:33).
C) SPEAK WELL OF HIM. So many girls get together and complain about their boyfriends (and vice versa). Don't join the crowd. We are called to be set apart. Also, to speak well of him, it is imperative that you THINK well of him. Our thoughts quickly become our attitudes and behaviors. Scripture tells us to "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5). It is a difficult command to apply, but one that is SO worth it.
D) BE OPEN WITH OTHERS ABOUT THESE BEHAVIORS. There are many other ways to honor God- ministering together, strengthening one another, encouraging one another- but a lot of this is going to be between the two of you (and unique to the two of you). However, it doesn't hurt to do some of this stuff in front of others! Be open about praying for him, affirming him- BRAG on him to others! Don't force your relationship down other people's throats, but don't be afraid to love him and serve him in front of others, as well as when you two are alone. Let your relationship be consistent- both when you're "on display" or behind closed doors.
Which brings me to the second question: How much touch is actually ok? But more on that in the next post :)
However, some ladies also brought up some valid questions that I think would be well worth answering for those of us who are single, dating, or moving towards marriage (or even maturing in marriage). I've got two questions so far, and I'll answer the first one in this post. If you all have any other questions, PLEASE message me or leave it in the comments section- I'll keep everything anonymous, I promise :)
The first question is how can we honor God in our relationships?
Almost every couple I have talked to that was pursuing a Godly relationship was forced to ask themselves this questions at some point. However, the solution is different for each couple.
So, how can we honor God with relationships? Well, it's a great start to NOT dishonor Him. Definitely maintain purity (more on that later!) and obey His commands. However, to make the switch from the defensive (not dishonoring) to the offensive (intentionally honoring God with your relationship) can be a tough transition. Again, it is unique for each couple, but here are some examples that I think can be universally applied:
A) PRAY FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND. And let him know you are praying for him! Pray WITH him. Invite him to pray for you. Ask how you can be praying for him, and pray each day for his spiritual strength, his walk with the Lord, opportunities for him to share the Gospel, for his purity, his struggles, etc.(also, single gals- this is a GREAT habit to start before you're dating/married! Even if you don't know who Mr. Right is, God does).
B) LET HIM LEAD. I always say that I don't want to be the type of woman who FORCES a guy to man-up/lead- I want to be the type of woman who will INVITE him to. Apply that in your relationship. If this relationship could potentially be heading towards marriage (which should be a possibility if you're dating), then you need to know if you are comfortable with him leading, and you submitting. That's why dating is so essential! If he is leading in a way you don't want to submit to- then leave. Allow him to be the man in the relationship. RESPECT him, in your words, actions, and attitude (Ephesians 5:33).
C) SPEAK WELL OF HIM. So many girls get together and complain about their boyfriends (and vice versa). Don't join the crowd. We are called to be set apart. Also, to speak well of him, it is imperative that you THINK well of him. Our thoughts quickly become our attitudes and behaviors. Scripture tells us to "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5). It is a difficult command to apply, but one that is SO worth it.
D) BE OPEN WITH OTHERS ABOUT THESE BEHAVIORS. There are many other ways to honor God- ministering together, strengthening one another, encouraging one another- but a lot of this is going to be between the two of you (and unique to the two of you). However, it doesn't hurt to do some of this stuff in front of others! Be open about praying for him, affirming him- BRAG on him to others! Don't force your relationship down other people's throats, but don't be afraid to love him and serve him in front of others, as well as when you two are alone. Let your relationship be consistent- both when you're "on display" or behind closed doors.
Which brings me to the second question: How much touch is actually ok? But more on that in the next post :)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
All My Single Ladies! Not quite Beyonce....
Alright ladies, let’s chat for a bit, shall we?
I have found a common theme among women my age: we are obsessed with marriage. Marriage is an amazing blessing from God, but hear me clearly- it does not define you. It is not God’s end goal for your life, nor is it the starting point for your life. I was talking to a friend of mine shortly after she got engaged, and I remember her saying she couldn’t wait for her “life to finally start.” I remember feeling so insulted by that, as a single woman. Being single does not nullify God’s call on my life. Acts 17 will state that God has planned exactly my situation and location in life; He knows where I’ll live, when I’ll get married, IF I’ll get married, where I will work, whose paths I’ll cross- EVERYTHING. He’s omniscient.
I say this because I want to point out something- being single doesn’t define you. It isn’t a punishment- in fact, Paul says that it is a gift from God for people to be able to remain single. But, shortly after, he says that it is better to marry than burn with passion. Marriage doesn’t make you better than others, more mature than others, or more deserving than others. Being single isn’t a punishment, a “cross to bear,” or a phase to endure before life can truly start.
Over the past few years, I have tried to analyze my thinking and bring it more in line with the Gospel. Some areas have been quite successful; many still need work. However, instead of thinking of marriage as the ultimate goal (which is idolatry), we should be thinking of it as a way to glorify God- not just make us happy.
Additionally, being single isn’t a punishment. It is a period of time God is using to shape us and mature us in some ways, just like He will continue to do in marriage. So why don’t we enjoy being single! I have spoken to many happily married friends who have encouraged me to be adventurous and spontaneous while single- it is a convenience that must often be sacrificed in a marriage, especially once you become a parent. As a single woman, my decisions are much simpler to make- the consequences primarily affect me. I don’t have a husband to think of, a family to consider. I am being sanctified as I analyze my decisions and how they affect others, but when you are married- every decision you make affects your spouse. A friend of mine often encourages single people to go on as many mission trips as you can while you are single, because it is a completely different ball game when you’re married.
My point is this: Enjoy being single! How is worrying about if and when you’ll meet “The One” and get married and start a family going to help you? Jesus makes a valid point when He reminds us that worrying will not help the situation or add an hour to our life. Enjoy being single, and allow God to shape you in to the woman He has designed you to be- whether that be a wife or not. Marriage does not define you. GOD defines you.
I have found a common theme among women my age: we are obsessed with marriage. Marriage is an amazing blessing from God, but hear me clearly- it does not define you. It is not God’s end goal for your life, nor is it the starting point for your life. I was talking to a friend of mine shortly after she got engaged, and I remember her saying she couldn’t wait for her “life to finally start.” I remember feeling so insulted by that, as a single woman. Being single does not nullify God’s call on my life. Acts 17 will state that God has planned exactly my situation and location in life; He knows where I’ll live, when I’ll get married, IF I’ll get married, where I will work, whose paths I’ll cross- EVERYTHING. He’s omniscient.
I say this because I want to point out something- being single doesn’t define you. It isn’t a punishment- in fact, Paul says that it is a gift from God for people to be able to remain single. But, shortly after, he says that it is better to marry than burn with passion. Marriage doesn’t make you better than others, more mature than others, or more deserving than others. Being single isn’t a punishment, a “cross to bear,” or a phase to endure before life can truly start.
Over the past few years, I have tried to analyze my thinking and bring it more in line with the Gospel. Some areas have been quite successful; many still need work. However, instead of thinking of marriage as the ultimate goal (which is idolatry), we should be thinking of it as a way to glorify God- not just make us happy.
Additionally, being single isn’t a punishment. It is a period of time God is using to shape us and mature us in some ways, just like He will continue to do in marriage. So why don’t we enjoy being single! I have spoken to many happily married friends who have encouraged me to be adventurous and spontaneous while single- it is a convenience that must often be sacrificed in a marriage, especially once you become a parent. As a single woman, my decisions are much simpler to make- the consequences primarily affect me. I don’t have a husband to think of, a family to consider. I am being sanctified as I analyze my decisions and how they affect others, but when you are married- every decision you make affects your spouse. A friend of mine often encourages single people to go on as many mission trips as you can while you are single, because it is a completely different ball game when you’re married.
My point is this: Enjoy being single! How is worrying about if and when you’ll meet “The One” and get married and start a family going to help you? Jesus makes a valid point when He reminds us that worrying will not help the situation or add an hour to our life. Enjoy being single, and allow God to shape you in to the woman He has designed you to be- whether that be a wife or not. Marriage does not define you. GOD defines you.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Why I love to read my Bible every day
I’ve started reading through Isaiah in the mornings. It is one of those books that I always hear quoted, but haven’t ever thoroughly studied. As I get to know Isaiah, many things stand out to me. He is a man that is passionate for people to come to know the Lord. He is also a man that is willing to take a stand, and boldly preach the Word of God. In one of the most famous passages, Isaiah is called to ministry in the throne room of God. He was one of the most holy men of the time, but as he stood before the throne of God Most High, the he cried out, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips!” The commentary that I use (and learn SO SO much from!!) pointed out that God had to minister to Isaiah before Isaiah ministered to others.
I had to pause to let that sink in for a moment.
Do I take time to let the Lord minister to me each day before I try to minister to others? Do I realize the depth and power of the Gospel before I try to share it with someone else? Do I sit in the depth of my own depravity before passing judgment on others?
I have always heard that as Christians, we are supposed to have a daily quiet time, but I always found it hard to find a reason (to be quite honest). I had heard that we needed to be familiar with Scripture, but to be honest, in my own pride and arrogance, I thought I WAS quite familiar already, so I didn’t see the need to get up early to read through the Bible. One day, I was talking with a friend and he said something that struck me, and made sense to me. He pointed out that all of the disciples abandoned Christ within 24 hours of His arrest- how much more important it is for me to spend time with Him each day! If those faithful men could fall away within 24 hours, I am in for some real trouble! I’m sure that the disciples didn’t fall away in the sense of going out and committing egregious sins right away- but they weren’t willing to take a stand. Is that the kind of disciple I want to be?? NO!
This passage in Isaiah was another AHA! moment for me with having a quiet time. Not only do I need to be spending time with God each day in order to strengthen my walk and devotion to Him, but I must allow God to minister to me before I am truly fit to minister to others. And it isn’t an obligation to spend time with God each day- it is such a delight. When you are truly in love with someone, you don’t have to be told to spend time together. I love getting to spend time with the Lord, studying His Word in the morning, dwelling on it during the day, praying to Him throughout the day, and allowing His Spirit to prune me constantly. If I am truly taking my faith seriously, then He asks for nothing less. One can not be a Christian in name only- God demands ALL of us. To be a Christian is to delightfully give Him me- all of me.
I had to pause to let that sink in for a moment.
Do I take time to let the Lord minister to me each day before I try to minister to others? Do I realize the depth and power of the Gospel before I try to share it with someone else? Do I sit in the depth of my own depravity before passing judgment on others?
I have always heard that as Christians, we are supposed to have a daily quiet time, but I always found it hard to find a reason (to be quite honest). I had heard that we needed to be familiar with Scripture, but to be honest, in my own pride and arrogance, I thought I WAS quite familiar already, so I didn’t see the need to get up early to read through the Bible. One day, I was talking with a friend and he said something that struck me, and made sense to me. He pointed out that all of the disciples abandoned Christ within 24 hours of His arrest- how much more important it is for me to spend time with Him each day! If those faithful men could fall away within 24 hours, I am in for some real trouble! I’m sure that the disciples didn’t fall away in the sense of going out and committing egregious sins right away- but they weren’t willing to take a stand. Is that the kind of disciple I want to be?? NO!
This passage in Isaiah was another AHA! moment for me with having a quiet time. Not only do I need to be spending time with God each day in order to strengthen my walk and devotion to Him, but I must allow God to minister to me before I am truly fit to minister to others. And it isn’t an obligation to spend time with God each day- it is such a delight. When you are truly in love with someone, you don’t have to be told to spend time together. I love getting to spend time with the Lord, studying His Word in the morning, dwelling on it during the day, praying to Him throughout the day, and allowing His Spirit to prune me constantly. If I am truly taking my faith seriously, then He asks for nothing less. One can not be a Christian in name only- God demands ALL of us. To be a Christian is to delightfully give Him me- all of me.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Why I won't be going to see Magic Mike.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, I am sure that you have heard of the movie that just came to theaters, “Magic Mike.” In case you do live under a rock, the movie is a film about male strippers- I have no clue what the actual plot is, but the preview consists of men including Matthew McConaughey, Channing Tatum, and other actors in little clothing, seductively enticing the women that are paying them. Good family film, right?
As it has been being advertised, girls have been going CRAZY. It has been on Pinterest, Facebook, I have even heard girls talking about it at church. But I will not be joining the masses of people flocking to see this movie, for many reasons.
1) As I read through the Scriptures, it is apparent that our thoughts are of the utmost importance to God. He calls us to take every thought captive, to not give the devil a foothold, and the Bible even says that if you look at someone lustfully, you are guilty of adultery. As I hear women talk about going to see Magic Mike, there is nothing Christ honoring about their intentions. Their motives are not to glorify God, they are to fulfill their lust, which is sin. Or intentions must be to glorify God in ALL that we do, and all that we see (or read, for that matter). I don’t want to mince words- we need to have a community that is willing to name sin as sin- and fight against it with all of our might.
2) These men are creations of God. We are supposed to honor God’s creation, to respect God’s creation- not degrade it.
3) A study at Heriot Wyatt University in Edinburgh found that chick flicks have similar affects on women that porn does on men. They cause high expectations that don’t bode well for real-life relationships. These films cause women to have unrealistic expectations for their love lives, which leads to dissatisfaction with their relationships. This applies to our emotions and our physical desires. That means, it includes Magic Mike AND other chick flicks! We must be diligent in guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).
4) We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, to live lives set apart for His glory. Job 31:1 says, “I made a covenant with my eyes to not look lustfully at a woman.” How would we react if men wanted to go see a similar film? Wouldn’t it feel degrading? Is it God-honoring? Is this how God designed our relationships to go? It most certainly is not! He instructs us to dress ourselves modestly, to honor Him with our bodies- and the same goes for how we view other’s bodies.
I could continue, but I think you get the point. I beg you all to consider your motives before you go to see this film, and before you read books, watch movies, or participate in other activities. If we are going to call ourselves followers of Christ, we need to obey the Scriptures. We need to love Him and honor Him. We are His ambassadors. We are representing Him. Do we live like that? I am ashamed of the ways that I have represented Him- it is something I need to work on. And I am starting by examining my heart.
As it has been being advertised, girls have been going CRAZY. It has been on Pinterest, Facebook, I have even heard girls talking about it at church. But I will not be joining the masses of people flocking to see this movie, for many reasons.
1) As I read through the Scriptures, it is apparent that our thoughts are of the utmost importance to God. He calls us to take every thought captive, to not give the devil a foothold, and the Bible even says that if you look at someone lustfully, you are guilty of adultery. As I hear women talk about going to see Magic Mike, there is nothing Christ honoring about their intentions. Their motives are not to glorify God, they are to fulfill their lust, which is sin. Or intentions must be to glorify God in ALL that we do, and all that we see (or read, for that matter). I don’t want to mince words- we need to have a community that is willing to name sin as sin- and fight against it with all of our might.
2) These men are creations of God. We are supposed to honor God’s creation, to respect God’s creation- not degrade it.
3) A study at Heriot Wyatt University in Edinburgh found that chick flicks have similar affects on women that porn does on men. They cause high expectations that don’t bode well for real-life relationships. These films cause women to have unrealistic expectations for their love lives, which leads to dissatisfaction with their relationships. This applies to our emotions and our physical desires. That means, it includes Magic Mike AND other chick flicks! We must be diligent in guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).
4) We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, to live lives set apart for His glory. Job 31:1 says, “I made a covenant with my eyes to not look lustfully at a woman.” How would we react if men wanted to go see a similar film? Wouldn’t it feel degrading? Is it God-honoring? Is this how God designed our relationships to go? It most certainly is not! He instructs us to dress ourselves modestly, to honor Him with our bodies- and the same goes for how we view other’s bodies.
I could continue, but I think you get the point. I beg you all to consider your motives before you go to see this film, and before you read books, watch movies, or participate in other activities. If we are going to call ourselves followers of Christ, we need to obey the Scriptures. We need to love Him and honor Him. We are His ambassadors. We are representing Him. Do we live like that? I am ashamed of the ways that I have represented Him- it is something I need to work on. And I am starting by examining my heart.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Pinterest Theology
A few months ago I got a Pinterest. I began to notice a strange phenomenon that you may have picked up on. A lot of my friends have a board for wedding ideas, a BIG board, yet they are single. Some are engaged, some are dating, some aren’t seeing anyone. Yet this “wedding board” is the biggest one they have, and it dominates their Pinterest attention. It isn’t bad to have a wedding board; it is a great way to gather ideas, even if you aren’t planning a wedding right now- you may be planning one sometime in the future. But, as a point of clarification, I must also add that many people do spend an unhealthy amount of time focusing on a wedding that has yet to exist. It is so imperative that each person examine their heart to be sure a wedding/marriage isn’t a idol. But, on to the main point…
In studying the Holy Scriptures recently, I have come across a great deal of imagery that refers to Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church as the Bride. I’m familiar with this imagery, but I’m at the point of life where I have been attending a lot of weddings and have a lot of friends getting married. I’m sure you’re no stranger to the “___________days until I get to marry my best friend!” facebook status, either. Being at this point in life, this metaphor has taken on more meaning for me. Even if you don’t know someone well, you know if they are engaged. It is nearly all that they talk about. They are SO excited, they count down the days, spend countless hours planning the ceremony, the reception, writing invitations, having bridal showers- the activities are endless. There is a great deal of effort that goes in to planning a wedding.
How often do we apply the same amount of effort in to our walk with Christ? We have Pinterest boards full of ideas for a future wedding day, yet we don’t seem to spend much time anxiously awaiting the return of Christ. Do we hope for the Great Wedding Feast of the Lamb? Will we even be able to recognize our Groom when He comes to get us? Will we arrive in white, or have we completely forgotten that there is a wedding that day? Brides exercise for weeks and months before their wedding to be in prime shape for their wedding night. They shop and try on countless dresses before they find “the one.” However, I rarely meet people who put that same energy in to their walk with Christ. I hope I am not the only one struggling with this! It is nice to imagine that I would be married one day, but it is imperative that I realize that is NOT my life goal. That is not the source of happiness, security, or future hope. Jesus is the source of my happiness, my security, and my future hope. I need to spend my time preparing for the great wedding that awaits all of us in Christ. I want to arrive ready, anxious to see my Groom.
Historically, a couple that was betrothed didn’t have a wedding date specified. The groom would be preparing a house for the family, and once it was finished, he would send word and come to get his bride. She had little notice, so she had to constantly be ready. Is it not the same with us? Our Savior has gone to prepare a house for us, and has told us that He is coming soon. So we must be ready! He will show up one day to call us home, and we have to be prepared. We must be “planning our wedding” now so that we are not unprepared when the groom comes. I must be actively engaged in “bridal boot camp,” constantly exercising my spiritual muscles. I must get to know the Groom so that I recognize Him when He comes; I want to be beautiful for Him when He arrives. Having been in a couple weddings, I have seen the amount of effort brides put in to getting ready the morning of the wedding- it takes HOURS. I was to be presented to my Groom “spotless and without blemish,” which can only happen through Christ. But it takes effort on my part. I must be putting sin to death in my life. I pray we would continue on in this mindset, anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Groom.
In studying the Holy Scriptures recently, I have come across a great deal of imagery that refers to Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church as the Bride. I’m familiar with this imagery, but I’m at the point of life where I have been attending a lot of weddings and have a lot of friends getting married. I’m sure you’re no stranger to the “___________days until I get to marry my best friend!” facebook status, either. Being at this point in life, this metaphor has taken on more meaning for me. Even if you don’t know someone well, you know if they are engaged. It is nearly all that they talk about. They are SO excited, they count down the days, spend countless hours planning the ceremony, the reception, writing invitations, having bridal showers- the activities are endless. There is a great deal of effort that goes in to planning a wedding.
How often do we apply the same amount of effort in to our walk with Christ? We have Pinterest boards full of ideas for a future wedding day, yet we don’t seem to spend much time anxiously awaiting the return of Christ. Do we hope for the Great Wedding Feast of the Lamb? Will we even be able to recognize our Groom when He comes to get us? Will we arrive in white, or have we completely forgotten that there is a wedding that day? Brides exercise for weeks and months before their wedding to be in prime shape for their wedding night. They shop and try on countless dresses before they find “the one.” However, I rarely meet people who put that same energy in to their walk with Christ. I hope I am not the only one struggling with this! It is nice to imagine that I would be married one day, but it is imperative that I realize that is NOT my life goal. That is not the source of happiness, security, or future hope. Jesus is the source of my happiness, my security, and my future hope. I need to spend my time preparing for the great wedding that awaits all of us in Christ. I want to arrive ready, anxious to see my Groom.
Historically, a couple that was betrothed didn’t have a wedding date specified. The groom would be preparing a house for the family, and once it was finished, he would send word and come to get his bride. She had little notice, so she had to constantly be ready. Is it not the same with us? Our Savior has gone to prepare a house for us, and has told us that He is coming soon. So we must be ready! He will show up one day to call us home, and we have to be prepared. We must be “planning our wedding” now so that we are not unprepared when the groom comes. I must be actively engaged in “bridal boot camp,” constantly exercising my spiritual muscles. I must get to know the Groom so that I recognize Him when He comes; I want to be beautiful for Him when He arrives. Having been in a couple weddings, I have seen the amount of effort brides put in to getting ready the morning of the wedding- it takes HOURS. I was to be presented to my Groom “spotless and without blemish,” which can only happen through Christ. But it takes effort on my part. I must be putting sin to death in my life. I pray we would continue on in this mindset, anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Groom.
“Against you and you only have I sinned.” (Psalm 51)
This verse used to always confuse me. I understood the general message that our sin is an offense to God, but I couldn’t seem to understand how this sin was not against Bathsheeba or Uriah. It can be easily argued that they were sinned against in the events that transpired.
But then I read it again. I had been missing a key factor; I was not reading the Scripture with the full weight of God’s glory and holiness in mind. Our God is perfect and beyond comparison. But we are sinners, each and every last one of us. So yes, we can sin against each other, but the offense committed is not the same as the sin committed against God. There is one key difference that cannot be overlooked- God is perfect. Holy. With out blemish. We are not. We fail to grasp the depth of our own sin. Without Christ, we are slaves to sin. We are constantly battling it, fighting it at all times. So when we are sinned against, it is nothing short of what we deserve. Yes, it hurts. Yes, sometimes it is unjustified and horrendous. However, we are sinners. We deserve the full affect of sin and all of its nasty consequences.
God does not. He has never wronged any one, never committed even the smallest offense. Yet we sin against Him. Our continuing sin shows that we don’t realize how offensive our sin is to God. It is what put Christ on a cross. It is what led us to be removed from the Garden. When we truly realize how holy and right God is, and how deep our sin goes, we can begin to cry out to God with David in the Psalms, “Against You and You alone have I sinned.” Only then can we realize how deep our sin is, and how offensive it is to the Lord.
But then I read it again. I had been missing a key factor; I was not reading the Scripture with the full weight of God’s glory and holiness in mind. Our God is perfect and beyond comparison. But we are sinners, each and every last one of us. So yes, we can sin against each other, but the offense committed is not the same as the sin committed against God. There is one key difference that cannot be overlooked- God is perfect. Holy. With out blemish. We are not. We fail to grasp the depth of our own sin. Without Christ, we are slaves to sin. We are constantly battling it, fighting it at all times. So when we are sinned against, it is nothing short of what we deserve. Yes, it hurts. Yes, sometimes it is unjustified and horrendous. However, we are sinners. We deserve the full affect of sin and all of its nasty consequences.
God does not. He has never wronged any one, never committed even the smallest offense. Yet we sin against Him. Our continuing sin shows that we don’t realize how offensive our sin is to God. It is what put Christ on a cross. It is what led us to be removed from the Garden. When we truly realize how holy and right God is, and how deep our sin goes, we can begin to cry out to God with David in the Psalms, “Against You and You alone have I sinned.” Only then can we realize how deep our sin is, and how offensive it is to the Lord.
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