The Preacher's Pen

This is a fine issue of Abundant Life and I must tell you that I am quite pleased with it. Our writers have addressed a desperate need for Christians today and their work is sure to help disciples please their Master by denying self and following Him (Luke 9:23).

If I could add anything to what has been so well written here it would be to say something about learning to hate sin. All that has been covered here will do no good if we still yearn for and long for sin and evil. If our heart is corrupted then every attempt at spiritual growth will be ultimately short-circuited. But hating sin does not come naturally. We love sin because it is pleasurable (Heb. 11:25). But we must remember how sin breaks the heart of God. While some choose to picture God as an angry tyrant who blows His stack when we sin the biblical picture consistently shows our God as a Father who is deeply wounded when His children do not trust Him enough to obey Him (note Hosea 11:1-4; Luke 15:22ff). I need to think about that more when I am tempted to sin.

And I need to think of what sin does to others as well. Sin hurts and damages those around us, starting with our closest loved ones and friends. Nadab and Abihu failed to practice self-control and left behind a grieving father. When we introduce and reintroduce sin into this world others must change their behavior to avoid getting hurt by our selfishness. That is why we have to tell our kids not to talk to strangers and why we have locks on our doors. Sin, my sin, winds its way around to make this world a more difficult place to live for everyone. Finally, I need to think about what sin does to me. My lack of self discipline will send me to eternal hell if I do not repent and resist temptation (James 1:14-15).

The world doesn't see sin in these terms and so is not motivated to practiced self control. We know better. Now let us do better because we hate the sins failure in self control always lead to.