I originally posted this in December of 2008, but wanted to share it today.
I've been thinking about sin, not necessarily about committing any particular sin, but about why I sin. I forget who I am. I forget who God is. I look to others to fill a hole that God is more than capable of filling. "And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
The song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns has been on the radio often, and each time, a different part of the song stands out to me.If you are not familiar with the song, it is about flirting with sin. You don't go from being Super Christian to embittered outsider in a day. It's a process of forgetting who you are. You can read all the lyrics here, but the line that stands out to me right now is "people never crumble in a day."
With every grudge that I choose to hold instead of forgive, I am fading.
With every unclean thought that I justify instead of taking captive, I am fading.
With every act of pride, I am fading.
With every audience I give to the voice that hisses in the corner of my mind, I am fading.
None of this happens overnight, that is the whole point. Each step away makes the next one easier. It has been a trying year, and I have allowed a root of bitterness to take root. I have let "the sun go down on my anger, making room for the devil." I know what pushes me to the edge in my life. Do you know what it is in your life that leaves the door to your soul open? Do you recognize the signs in your own life that you are slowly fading.
That is where close friends can be a help. Friends who are honest enough to point out your shortcomings but still love you anyway. Friends who try to lead you to a godly solution for a problem are truly a blessing. There are enough resources in the world to back up ungodly solutions, to egg you on in your quest of self-righteousness. "Take care, sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the Living God. But, exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today", so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:14.
There was a good devotion at Proverbs 31 today about temptation. You can check it out here.
Excellent post! Let's get better and better at being that kind of friend no matter what happens.
ReplyDeleteGreat post about a great song. While I really don't care for the song, I did find that it "hit me" after hearing it a couple of times. The message it brings is true - and true of me.
ReplyDeleteI had been pondering a provocative public posting for perusal of persons on the very subject of speaking into another's life. I shall proceed promptly with posting, no pessimism shall pervade or prevail! Peace!
Deb, very good post. Wow, I don't have any words...
ReplyDeleteHeaven
The slow fade is what should keep me from pride--and the scary part of it is that when it is happening, it occurs so gradually that you don't even know it's happening. Yes, that is why I need honest, truthful friends. I am inviting you to be that for me.
ReplyDeleteThis post hit me hard. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a trying year and what has kept me going has been my faith, my Christian family and friends, especially the women folk.
If you have a chance to read the letter I posted in my blog (30 Dec) you can see the type of pal I have.
Have a happy and healthy 2009... and bless you for all the glory you give to God :)