Sin. The Ugly Three Letter Word.

[mortensen]

How can it be that today's society fails to understand that many of man's problems are a result of sin. Isn't it a little distressing to hear people discuss the issue of morality in depth without any mention of the word sin?

The basic cause in many instances is a person's unwillingness to take responsibility for his own actions, but rather blame on someone - or something eles! The refusal to confront sin only compounds the problem. Some health officials, in explaining their AIDS program, go to great lengths promoting condoms, as well as sexual abstinence. Then they usually add: "THIS IS NOT A MORAL ISSUE." YIKES!! Of course it's a moral issue!

Several decades ago, George W Corrnell of the Associated Press wrote a column titled 'Word Sin Disappears But Remains A Fact.' "He says the realities of personal guilt and sin have been glossed over as symptoms of emotional illness or enviromental conditioning for which the individual is not considered responsible!"

A leading psychiatrist noted that 90% of the mentally ill could be immediately well if they were able to forgive themselves and others and to receive forgiveness!

The Bible states emphatically: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) And "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN:

Have you ever decided to sin and thought, "I don't care about the consequences. Many people who have allowed themselves to be carried away by temptation, thinking they didn't care what happened, only to discover that they really did care when they faced devasting consequences.

Realistically considering the consequences of our actions can help us make the right choices. It helps to consider the consequences of not sinning as well as considering the consequences of sinning.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what

he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from

that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please

the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF HOLINESS:

It's encouraging to realize that just as there are consequences to sin, there are consequences when we choose righteousness. We must train ourselves not to be tempted.

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of

unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it

is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers

righteousness on you.

Hosea 10:12

YOU PLEASE GOD:

Each time you say "yes" to God, he is pleased, much as an earthly parent takes pleasure in his or her child's obedience.

YOU GROW IN THE SPIRIT:

When you are tempted, it is an opportunity to grow in the Spirit. It's exciting to see the power of God working in your life as you say "yes" to God and "no" to sin.

YOU BUILD RESISTANCE TO FURTHER SIN:

When you overcome temptation, you learn that you have the strength to say, "No." That makes it easier to say "no" the next time.

YOU ARE A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHERS:

When you obey God, you provide a great example and encouragement to others.

YOU EXPERIENCE JOY:

When you obey God and break free from the power of sin, you experience the excitment and joy that come from spiritual victory.

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love,

just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain

in his love. I have told you this so that my joy be in you

and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:10-11

Reference:

God's Magnificent Creation, Christian Outdoors Forum

[Ravin R10 man]

Great post Mort..that is man's no. 1 problem

[mortensen]

Knowing the consequences of sin is essential to direct us on a spiritual path to our Heavenly Father, along with a good healthy fear of our Lord. We just don't seem to get it at times that we can't have our way and God's way together. God is always right, and His ways and commandments for us on how to live. Jesus himself could not have said it any better when he 'says that we should not fear man or what man can do to us, but to fear God the Father who has the power to render everlasting judgement and punishment', Knowing this is enough to make anyone's skin crawl and hair stand on end!

[wtnhunt]

Part of the problem with society in this world today is that too many people are letting stress and other factors lead them away from what is right. Too many do not know God at all, too many care less about what is right or wrong and are self serving and in some cases some may not really know the difference in right and wrong. Really very sad.

[propeller head]

We live in a godless generation.......children are not took to church or taught morals. We live in a if it feels good do it generation.

[mortensen]

Thank you both for your observations and your very correct. Because political correctness is taught in schools and political correctness teaches a person to value their own feel-good feelings and atitude over anyone or anything eles including God.

We have taken the 'Word of God' out of our schools, along with Christmas and any Christian songs that make reference to God.

It's just mind boggling how our society has so drastically changed in just few years. If you or I were to take the Koran and put it in a toilet and photograph it, we would be immediately imprisoned for a hate crime. If you put the Bible in the toilet and photograph it, then it would be considered art!

I know somebody upstairs is taking this all in and I feel to my bare bones his wrath is with us now.