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The Felt Effects of Sin
Posted by From the Middle East in Bible & Theology
I find it encouraging to hear other people’s stories. Stories of their journeys to understanding and embracing God’s love. Often, these stories have common themes, albeit with slightly different details or “twists and turns.” One of those little details that I have noticed is what I call the “attention grabber.” That is, what it was that God used to start convicting one’s heart of sin. Obviously, our rejection of God (sin) is what separates us from God. However, most people in the world are blinded to this and, often, there is a point at which they begin to be concerned with God and spiritual things in a significant way. This “attention grabber” seems to be how they feel the effects of sin in their lives, or, in some cases, how they feel the effects of sin in life in general. Below are some of the “attention grabbers” I have heard in others’ stories:
I felt shameful.
I felt dirty.
I felt guilty.
I was afraid of going to hell.
I was afraid of demons.
I felt like my life was spinning out of control.
I felt like the world was so messed up that it was hopeless.
Each one of these is the direct result of sin in the world, but each one is slightly different. I think it is important for us to listen to people and hear how the effects of sin have impacted their lives. While it takes work to listen to someone’s story long enough to hear how sin has marred someone’s life, once they have opened up in this way, we know much better what aspect of the Gospel to begin with in sharing how they can be set free.
What attention grabbers have you heard as you have listened to people?
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FTME,
I suppose my biggest heartbreak (or the thing that disturbs me most of all, I guess) is the overall obtuse response to the quickening of the Lord … even among his people. I know people (in my life, right now) who claim the name of Christ yet are walking in ways contrary to the Word of God.
Sometimes I wonder if it doesn’t take something really big for the Lord to get the attention of his wayward children.
Geoff
What bothers me is that repentance seems to be such an integral part of Christian life in scripture, and such a rare part of our modern church experience.
Brothers Geoff & Dave,
Amen!
We tend to think of repentance as something negative when, in fact, it is a really great and amazing thing. We would rather continue eating the same chocolate covered cow chip and drinking the same raw sewage with a twist of lime than risk (though it is really no risk at all) tasting the feast of fine foods and wine that God has prepared for us!
Peace to you brothers,
From the Middle East
PS – Yes, I did say wine on a baptist blog. No rabbit trails please!