Sin Creates Consequences in Our Lives

A while back, during winter break, a friend and I were talking to one of the high schoolers about college and spiritual struggles.  We ran into the topic of sin, and the young one asked us about sin and how bad it is.  I remember the topic of spiritual purity in CCM retreat and told him about keeping away from.  To never come back to sin for that temptation can bite you.

But, a friend says a very insightful thing to the young one.  He says, "Though your sins are forgiven, you still have the consequences from the sin that you've fallen into."

That hit me so hard that I felt like a truck just hit me.  Though I sin and ask for forgivenness, I'm just that much more susceptible to fall into it.  Not only are you susceptible, but you just can't clear away as quickly (or even forever) the sin that you have committed.  Now, I'm not saying your sins aren't forgiven; far from it.  Rather, though my sins are forgotten, you know that what you have committed you will never get back.

An example is a man who falls into sexual temptation.  Though he is forgiven of that sin, he won't have that purity anymore.  His sights and his mind has been soiled, corrupted and he'll never forget what he has seen (least not until a long period of time passed).

I've never thought of it that way.  Yet, this just reminds me that I need to rely more on the power of the Spirit to help me through the temptation and continue to pursue righteousness.  In Berean, Pastor Peter has been going through Galatians.  He just recently went through the section about living in the Spirit.  We forget that we're not alone in this battle, that the Holy Spirit is in us to help us fight as well.  This is the power of God in us, and we neglect it continually.  We're not perfect; we will never be until the Day comes.  And on that Day, we will be up in heaven, worshipping and praising God for who He is.

"The Thief"

I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back
And I understand why you wouldn't want to
I guess it's up to me to find a way to get to you

And I can't see you
Getting used to
Living in the midst of your perfection
And I'm so lost
How can you trust
Somewhere the sun is always shining

And there's just one last thing that I have to say
As we reflect on the mess of all this that I've made
It was cowardice that made me push you away
I was so afraid cause you were so much better than me

The Thief [Relient K]

This song seems to match so well to what I said.  Besides the fact that Jesus is coming back, this song is basically about how perfect Jesus is that we just push Him away, or just don't want to accept that.  It was our fear and pride to push Him away.  But, it is up to us to continue to pursue Him.

Hope for Every Fallen Man by Relient K

Just a little music post of a song I love for its message (only consists of chorus and bridge):

But don't give up, it's not the end.
There's hope for every fallen man,
To pick themselves up when they think they can,
Because with every passing second comes a second chance

Don't give up, it's not the end.
You'll get back on your feet again.
Forgivness can be given when you think it can,
Because with every passing second comes a second chance

'Cause with every passing second comes a second chance,
Take a good look at yourself and know,
You've got yourself a ways to go.
But difficult is not impossible,
You can take back all the lost control.
Take a good look at yourself and see,
You'll emerge eventually.
As long as your heart's not too far gone,
From the only thing that can save you from yourself...

Forgivness can be given when you think it can,
'cause with every passing second comes a second chance.

-Hope for Every Fallen Man [Relient K]

It's basically a bit of the Gospel in here.

Happy Starting of 2009 Day!

It is the start of the new year, 2009!  It is the time where people start to

make new year resolution and all.  I've never wanted to make a resolution

simply because I feel that I'm going to fail it anyways.  But then, it constantly

keeps you reminded of what you plan to do or not do for the whole year.

As a reflection to 2008, I found that a lot has happened (whether it be bad or

good).  Yet, I'm very thankful for all that has happened.  I'm thankful for Berean and how much this church has helped me to grow spiritually and for the people that contributed to that.  I'm thankful for the friends I have

now for being with me and keeping me accountable.  I'm thankful for my

family and my home, knowing that I have family who care and worry about me

as well as a home to come back to.  I'm thankful for God's creation, seeing beautiful

sceneries around the world.  Thankful for my struggle that I may realize

what I have done in the past and let it not bog me down, but use it as an

experience for a new year.

Reading John Edward's resolutions for the new year, it really puts me in...

not really an awestruck state but amazed by what he has written.  It is

an amazing list of things that seems so difficult... yet, possible with the Holy

Spirit.  If I may be correct, I think he kept all of them as well throughout

his life.  Therefore, I think I as well may write my resolution, in hope that

I may keep them as well as having people who read this keep me accountable

with it:

-To do my disciplines constantly and happily.  It may not become a burden

to me, but I may enjoy it for God our Father.

-To hate sin and despise it to the fullest.  To be angry at sin and what it has done

and will do me if it gets into my heart.  But, let this anger be because of wanting to

be holy as God has commanded me to be.

-To be intentional with how I use my time.  Putting what's important as my priority

and what's not to be put to the side.  This would especially be for school, God, and

events.

Hopefully, I may be resolved like John Edwards to keep these resolutions.