July 17, 2021
July 17, 2021
15 Years Ago
“What are you doing today that you thought was sin 15 years ago?”
I’ve been thinking a lot about this question lately. It wasn’t triggered by one thing or one person, but instead, by many incidents of people talking or sharing on social media about participating in activities that they used to consider sin.
I’m been wondering:
“What changed?
“What made it wrong then and alright now?”
“What made you change your mind?”
Even more, I’ve been looking at my own life and asking: "How does this question apply to me?”
"Am I participating in activities that I once considered “off-limits”?
"Have I changed? Am I compromising?"
Trust me when I say that I’m not trying to be judgmental—-I’ve personally experienced the pain of legalism. No, I don’t want to return to that extreme.
And yet, I’m honestly concerned. I worry that the pendulum is swinging too far in the other direction.
Too often I find myself wondering “Is there anything that we consider to be sin anymore?”
Since the Bible certainly hasn’t changed—-why did we?
I believe from time to time we all need to examine ourselves and ask: “What am I doing today that I thought was sin 15 years ago?”
Honestly think about it.
Dare to be hard on yourself.
Really analyze your life and ask “How have I changed?”
Then ask “Why?”
Why am I embracing the culture instead of holiness?
Did I find a reason in the Bible to change my perspective or did I just lower my standards?
Who is influencing my choices and are they a good influence?
Is the excuse, “Well, everybody else is doing it” really a valid argument?
Are there areas where I need to reevaluate and perhaps abandon?
If I stay on my current path, what sin will I be tolerating 15 years from now?
I challenge you to spend some time with the Holy Spirit genuinely answering these questions and then allow His influence to affect your future choices and behavior.
Memory Verse: So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
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