Transformational Tip
It is in our power to change a situation that will likely allow fertile circumstances for us to decide to sin…and when we choose not to act to change those circumstances, we are guilty of the sin of nearness…of getting too close. Think of it as the sin before the sin.
The sin before the sin involves the little decisions we make that set us up for temptation and the “final step” decision of the sinful act itself. If we are to overcome the strongholds in our lives that constantly pull us in the wrong direction, we have to come to a place of obedience and do everything possible to eliminate those occasions, that are in our control, that precede our sin. We all know what these occasions look like.
Failing to take appropriate actions to eliminate the stumbling blocks that lead us to sin is a serious issue for many of us. Sexual temptation has presented itself to most of us at some time in our lives. Today's scripture advises us to run from sexual sin.
The closer you get to sexual temptation the better it looks. With sexual sin, the longer we are in the presence of temptation the less likely we are to escape without sinning. It is so much better to avoid the sin before the sin…To run from the sin of nearness.
Today, take notice of the small decisions that lead up to your actual wrong decision. Draw a little map or timeline, so you can see how you had options to intervene or take a different course before you actually made the sinful decision itself. Stay in fellowship with Jesus. Turn to Him for the strength you need. With Him, you can do all things.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the sin before the sin.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me notice the many warnings and opportunities you give me to turn away from the path of sin. Help me recognize and be a better steward in the “little” decisions that lead up to the “bigger” decisions. I can only do this through submission to Your Holy Spirit guiding me in Your wisdom and empowering my action. Especially, help me to run from all temptation that may be involved in sexual sin. Help me to run from this sin and run to you. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to teach me how to resist temptation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
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