Blog

It never amazes me what God has written in His word, to us. I have wondered why sin is so powerful in keeping us at bay from seeing our disobedience to God. Hebrews 12:1-3 from the Message Bible allowed the Holy Spirit to highlight the answer, clearly. See if you would agree?

 “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

Whoa! Deep huh?!

The words I want you to focus on are “parasitic sins”. What does that mean? Well, here it is used as an adjective to describe sin. Sin is like a parasite it hangs on to humans. 

The result, effect of it, can devastate and even take your life. We live in a culture where sin can easily be excused according to ones’ belief. For example, if the cashier gives you back too much change, some will think that was a blessing because they needed that money while others will return it because they know it’s wrong, it’s stealing. Now if you are questioning this example or making up other scenarios to justify or make right what it stealing, then you have let sin infest you in this area of your life. Time to let go of that parasitic sin. 

A good example of a parasitic sin is constantly dwelling on “Why and Why Not” questions. They grab hold of your very being, soul, squeezing all the good out of you because you want an answer now or can’t accept the answer thats given to you. For example, “Why God, did so-&-so have to die during the pandemic?” or “Why God didn’t you warn me that something like this was going to happen?” or “God you said you were going to take care of me, so why did I lose my business and not so-&-so who doesn’t even believe in You are still in business? 

Questions like that can turn your faith upside down, resulting in doubt, disbelief, and backsliding (turning from God). Your heart becomes hardened against God. Instead of sharing, out- loud, to God in prayer and standing on His word (God will never leave or forsake you), you give up believing a lie because it didn’t turn out the way you expected. God didn’t promise you a rose garden, prosperity, or constant happiness. What He did promise you is that He will be with you in every area of your life. He sent the Holy Spirit here to guide and comfort you, but if you don’t crack open that Bible enough and meditate on His word or study it, then you will miss what He is to saying to you about you and your situation, at that time.

Be honest with God and stop holding back how you really feel. Talk to Him but also WAIT and LISTEN. 

The enemy, satan is hoping you don’t crack open that Bible or go to sleep whenever a person is preaching, teaching, or sharing the Gospel (live, virtual, TV or internet).

Here’s another good example of a parastic sin. You go to a Bible class and don’t do any of the work during the week, but try to look “studious” when you get to the class. Your favorite line is: “I’m just human,” or “I was just busy.” Please give it a rest. We are all humans and busy in our own ways, but that isn’t an excuse for saved folk. That’s a cop-out. And shows a lack of trust and selfishness.

So the question is, what do you do when you “find yourself flagging” in your Faith? What should you do when you identify a parasitic sin(s)?

1. Acknowledge that sin

2. Admit that you need deliverance by confessing it to God. Seriously, share what’s in your heart with God. Get that desire for that sin out of you.

3. Repent by asking Holy Spirit to guard you against temptations and take that desire from you.

4. Review, again, how Jesus overcame sin. Then follow Him.

5. Remember your reward… Hanging Out With Jesus in Heaven.

Parasitic sins may seem harmless, but don’t be fooled. Parasites draw their nutrients from a living host. Sin grows within a living host. Us! It feeds off of US! The old nature loves this stuff.

The new nature is what we need to feed. Staying in God’s word, meditating on scripture, helps fortify your heart to deciding which side you will serve whole-heartily. Feed it. Rejoice in knowing that you are a Child of God. Stir up the gifts within you. Share the Gospel. Seek God and His righteousness, daily. Live a life that is on the side of Christ Jesus. 

You will find life everlasting. 

MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH - MARCH

30 Day Bible Reading & Prayer Calendar Downloadable: March Bible Reading & Prayer Calendar  Opportunities to share comments and ask questions on Instagram and private Facebook group. Click on guide to participate.

Spiritual Disciplines discussed on Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast: Prayer and Praise and Worship

Shalom!