What Harm Could It Do?

It was just one little sin. It didn't hurt anyone. Nobody is going to find out.

Does this sound familiar?

Let's bypass the very fact that there is no such thing as a little sin. God doesn't own a tape measure...just look at Zacchaeus. But those other two comments are the foundation upon which I will build this post. We are sinful beings. That cannot be denied! What we often forget is that God also gave us a conscience, something to help us have a sliver of conviction. It is clear that we don't always put it to good use. But did you know that your conscience can actually be seared? (1 Timothy 4:2) How does this happen and how does it affect you? We will be talking about the searing of the conscience in regards to sin. Here are the origins and the effects.

1. One's conscience becomes seared by exposing oneself to continual sin without repentance or acknowledgement of repentance.
2. The conscience can be seared when one knowingly pushes the influence of the conscience away, ignoring the parts of oneself that know what is right.
3. A searing of the conscience can stem from an exposure to sinful acts and making oneself comfortable in the midst of sin and sinful people.

When the desire to fit in, participate in sin, and to hide sin overpower the awareness of your wrongdoing, you allow Satan to work on your conscience (so to speak), Satan's influence is found in the excuses you make before and after you sin. He is found in the cycle of sin that spirals out of control because you no longer feel any guilt. How do you know your conscience has been subject to evil's influence? 

1. When you make a mistake or participate in something sinful without thinking twice.
2. When your need to hide the sin from your parents has nothing to do with guilt but instead the need to keep sinning.
3. When you have gotten so used to pushing guilt away that you no longer care if what you're doing is wrong.
4. When you have a hard time drawing a line between what is right and wrong because your actions have blurred the mark.
5. When your ability to resist temptation is at a 0 while your ability to give in is at a 10.
6. When you no longer find yourself interested in seeking God or following His will outside of the facade you create in front of certain people.

These are all signs that a conscience has been seared. Now don't get me wrong, many of these things are simply a human response to worldly actions. But in extremes, one's conscience is in serious need of a renewal. So what is so bad about having a seared conscience? I mean, I get to sin without feeling bad about it right? That is true, but what is at stake is your salvation. When one pushes away the guilt and no longer feels it, refuses repentance, and ignores God's will...there are serious consequences.

1. Matthew 4:17
2. Matthew 3:8
3. Isaiah 30:15
4. Luke 5:31-32
5. Acts 3:19
6. Acts 20:21
7. Romans 2:4
8. 2 Corinthians 7:9*
9. Jeremiah 31:19*
10. Revelation 3:3*
11. Revelation 2:5*
12. Romans 2:5*

If you do not read all the verses, please read the ones I have placed a star by. They are telling of what we are intended to do because of the conviction our conscience allows us to have. God Bless.

                                                                                                                          Kendall Roberts.

Fact or Opinion?

Often times we find it easier to ignore the parts of the Bible that we don't like. It makes us feel alot better if we can just forget about the consequences and the expectations for a little while...doesn't it? As we both know, that is sinful and just down right wrong. But what about our interpretations of the Bible? I see it one way, but you see it another? This is what leads to misunderstandings, confusion, separation, and the breaking up of the church. So what is the best way to handle this? How do we speak on our opinions without offending others or, worst case scenario, lead others astray?
It's really pretty simple. As members of the church and as followers of Christ, it is our duty to teach others about the Word, whether that is through a Bible class, a simple conversation, a campaign, etc. In order to properly tell others about the Good News, we must first make sure that we are strong in our perception of the Bible, because certainly God did not intend for us to each take up our own thoughts and label them as truth. There is only one truth and that is God's Word. So we must be diligent in making sure we understand it and do our best to further ourselves in the knowledge of God. Here are a few thoughts that will allow one to properly express their own opinions and discuss their perceptions.
1. Don't teach others on a topic until you've allowed yourself to see both sides of the story in full. If you haven't taken the time to educate yourself as to what the truth is and why, you should not be teaching others about it.
2. If it is a controversial topic, go first to the leaders of the church or adults who are strong in their faith to confirm a topic and its validity.
3. Stray away from expressing one's opinion to young, vulnerable Christians who are still building their faith. Should you be wrong, you have just allowed those Christians to absorb a false idea of God's Word.
4. Embrace the Switzerland attitude. No, I am not saying to "not care", but instead to be open to other's ideas and knowledge about the subject.
5. Remember this: Your opinion is just that, an opinion. Do not be so proud as to assume your thoughts are fact.
6. Do not place yourself before God. If you have shut out the opportunity to converse with others and have a civilized discussion about your proposed topics and/or ideas, you just might be allowing Satan to find a way in.
As you can see, opinions that have not been worked through with other strong Christians can either make or break it. Before you take up a position in which you teach others about God's Word, make sure you either understand your whats and whys fully or have evaluated your opinions to the full extent. God did not intend for us to rely on our own knowledge but instead on His wisdom.
Galations 1:10 NKJV and Proverbs 18:2 NKJV