WHEN YOU STUMBLE

 

Oran Rhodes

 

            There are about as many different reactions to sin as there are sins, but God has clearly shown the action he expects and which will be most beneficial for one lost in sin. Much of the time it is the failure of brethren to properly act in regard to a fellow member of the body  who falls into sin that results in anything but what God desires. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). However, that is never an acceptable excuse for any one of us who stumble into sin not to do what is necessary to make it right before God and our brethren. Since we are all susceptible, we should be reminded that if and when we sin, there are a number of things we must not do.

            First of all, do not miminize sin. “For the wages of sin is death…”(Rom.6:23). Do not tamper with the labels—“just a mistake”; “an error in judgment”;  etc. “All unrighteousness is sin” (1 John 5:17). Do not deceive yourself into supposing sin is ever justified by the circumstances. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Do not persuade yourself that morality varies from age to age. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).

            Second of all, once you have recognized sin in your life, repented of it, and sought to make right anything that is necessary, do not brood over the past. “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:16-17). Some people have a difficult time forgiving themselves once they have awakened to the consequences of their previous behavior, but it must be done in order to put forth positive effort from the point of repentance onward. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:15-16). Properly used, the experience of the past should strengthen one in facing temptation and overcoming it because one has experienced the result of the failure to stand.  “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).

            Third of all, we must always remember that solution for sin-touched lives has been provided for us by our Father, so do not fail to claim the perfect cure. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him…” (Hebrews 2:3). “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

            If as a Christian you have stumbled into sin, you do not dare stay there. Get out today! “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all righteousness”(1 John 1:9).