Song of Songs Chapter 2(ESV)
15Catch the foxes for us,
the little foxes
15Catch the foxes for us,
the little foxes
that spoil the vineyards,
for our vineyards are in blossom.
I think that the trap that we often fall into are those little traps--the little sins, or little acts of disobedience that feel like they don't really count. I've had quite a few experiences with that. I argue with God sometimes over some of the small things, or argue with the feeling of what I think God would want. I think it's reasonable for me to want to play basketball before the gym closes, I think it's reasonable if I just want to watch a drama for now instead of reading God's Word, I think it's reasonable to say to God that I've spent all day in Bible study so I ought to get to do stuff that I want to do instead of having to read this book and taking the effort to examine my heart or learn more about myself or take the trouble to grow.
The little things that I think I have the right to are the ones that are derailing my walk with God right now. It's not that it's wrong to play basketball or other things. But it's wrong when it takes us away from God. And if playing basketball becomes too much, and if it starts to drive time spent with God out, or becomes more important than it as expressed through my actions, then even something small like that needs to be submitted to God. Small sins can keep us from fellowshipping with God, and that's what makes them so deadly. Because we sometimes allow ourselves to slip on them because they're so small, but they can make us stumble in such a big way. That's why we need to be so diligent, because the little things can happen at any moment, and may happen the most when we're tired, or just feel like we deserve a break. I know that sometimes I want a break. Just a time here or there to let myself go. I mean, it's ok to relax, but I guess the moral of the story is that it's never okay to sin, no matter how small.
Of course, sin can't nullify Jesus's sacrifice for us, but it can entangle us. It can keep us from growing in God, and it can lead to further sins. For me, as soon as reading the Word and praying to God start to dwindle, everything else goes with it. All the things that I know God wants me to do--whether it be email people, keep in touch, or blog--go out the window. And even the stuff that I continue to do--go to Bible study, help with the kids--lose the meaning that they once had. The little things are so dangerous, that's all I think.
I think that the trap that we often fall into are those little traps--the little sins, or little acts of disobedience that feel like they don't really count. I've had quite a few experiences with that. I argue with God sometimes over some of the small things, or argue with the feeling of what I think God would want. I think it's reasonable for me to want to play basketball before the gym closes, I think it's reasonable if I just want to watch a drama for now instead of reading God's Word, I think it's reasonable to say to God that I've spent all day in Bible study so I ought to get to do stuff that I want to do instead of having to read this book and taking the effort to examine my heart or learn more about myself or take the trouble to grow.
The little things that I think I have the right to are the ones that are derailing my walk with God right now. It's not that it's wrong to play basketball or other things. But it's wrong when it takes us away from God. And if playing basketball becomes too much, and if it starts to drive time spent with God out, or becomes more important than it as expressed through my actions, then even something small like that needs to be submitted to God. Small sins can keep us from fellowshipping with God, and that's what makes them so deadly. Because we sometimes allow ourselves to slip on them because they're so small, but they can make us stumble in such a big way. That's why we need to be so diligent, because the little things can happen at any moment, and may happen the most when we're tired, or just feel like we deserve a break. I know that sometimes I want a break. Just a time here or there to let myself go. I mean, it's ok to relax, but I guess the moral of the story is that it's never okay to sin, no matter how small.
Of course, sin can't nullify Jesus's sacrifice for us, but it can entangle us. It can keep us from growing in God, and it can lead to further sins. For me, as soon as reading the Word and praying to God start to dwindle, everything else goes with it. All the things that I know God wants me to do--whether it be email people, keep in touch, or blog--go out the window. And even the stuff that I continue to do--go to Bible study, help with the kids--lose the meaning that they once had. The little things are so dangerous, that's all I think.
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