SIN ON REPEAT

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:16–18).”

While we're on this side of the dirt, we're not going to live a sinless life. We will be tempted, but temptation isn't sin. It is a test to check our hearts to evaluate or values and priorities. Our response to our sins, though, determines whether our dream remains 3D and in vivid color or fades to black and white.  We do an excellent job hiding sins of cowardice, self-pity, self-sufficiency, greed and jealousy.  No one knows about our lies and gossip.  We easily explain them away and insist, "They're no big deal." In many cases, we actually feel that we can justify our sinful attitudes and actions.  
Yet every time we are tempted, we face a choice.  To turn from sin or continue to walk therein creating a barrier between God and us Thankfully the presence of sin does not disqualify us from achieving our dreams because God has provided the ultimate solution for sin. Christ died for all our sins—past, present, and future. We can wallow in shame, or we can gladly embrace His forgiveness.  Christ has already paid for our sins. He opened the door to the prison and set us free.

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Corinthians 7:10)”  Godly sorrow points us to Christ, refreshes our spirits, and reminds us of His grace. But worldly sorrow (what we call shame) crushes our spirits and leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless.  Confession is agreeing with God about our sin, about His forgiveness, and about our new direction to honor Him.
Sin hardens our hearts and causes problems in all of our relationships—unless we practice confession and repentance.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Recurring sin is slavery and when allowed to fester can lead to dream destruction.  It oppresses us and kills our dreams, but God's gracious forgiveness restores us and renews the dream—even better than it was before.

This weeks charge:  Has the Holy Spirit pointed out any excuses you've used to let dream busters prevent you from finding and fullfilling God's dream for your life? If so, what are they? What are you going to do about them?

Excerpt From: Clay, Doug. “Dreaming in 3D"