Sin and Righteousness

Some people may think that they can hide behind their weakness and use it as an excuse to keep living a life of sin. For a season this may very well let you have your way, but when you realise that the very same mindset is keeping you from growing in your relationship with God


To sin, in layman’s terms, is to act or omit an action that then causes offence. In the broadest sense though sin is mostly seen as an offence against God. The reality is that sin can also be committed against our neighbours and even against our own bodies.

1Corrinthians 6v18:” Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

It is very possible for us to face the challenge of how to overcome sin in our lives and yet find that it is more of a progression than a momentary breakthrough. Taking this into consideration its important to KNOW that we are all born into sin and as such we are never without sin entirely.

This then begs the question: “Why do we even want to try to overcome sin?”

Remember that sin, like righteousness, is always a relevant issue in the management and growth of relationships. Our efforts to grow away from a life filled with sin is synonymous to chasing after one that is filled with righteousness. It stands to reason then, that striving for a life that is progressively more sinless is really a pursuit for peace in our lives. Firstly peace with God and secondly peace with our fellow man.

Everyone that has ever been in church will have heard of the ten commandments. Interestingly enough sin is not just breaking one of these commandments. Sin is an offence that we cause to anyone. In some ways, sin is also linked to culpability and this opens an opportunity for us to understand the concept of sin in the context of a righteous relationship.

In some ways, a parent will enjoy the playful behaviour of a small child even if it is disruptive. Interestingly the same behaviour may not be tolerated with the same child has reached its teens. The fact is that righteousness is not the same thing as being sinless. As a young believer, the Lord may show His understanding if we battle to overcome some personal challenges. Once we mature it is clear throughout scripture that He expects us to grow beyond our failures and into a place where we overcome our challenges.

Just because some of our weaknesses are tolerated by God it does not mean that those actions are acceptable to Him. It simply means that He understands that we are in a process where we have not gained victory over those challenges. That is why He has made an avenue for us to restore our relationship with Him.

I John 1v9:”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

It is very important for us to remember that we are expected to gain victory over our sin and that we are also reminded by Paul to work hard at our salvation. Our duty to strive to overcome our weaknesses should never be taken on with a half-hearted approach.

Philippians 2v12:” Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,“

It’s is a real thing in everybody’s life that we face, battle and sometimes overcome and on other times succumb to our weaknesses. Our efforts to live a life in honour of God is a life long struggle. It’s also sound advice to remember that we should not spiral into despair if and when we fall into sin, but rather we should realise that our life is subject to a growth process and that every time we fail we learn something new about life or our weakness to sinful desires.

Some people may think that they can hide behind their weakness and use it as an excuse to keep living a life of sin. For a season this may very well let you have your way, but when you realise that the very same mindset is keeping you from growing in your relationship with God. Any person with this kind of attitude toward their own weakness should consider the question…..

HOW SERIOUS ARE YOU IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD?

Remember that a righteous life does not impress anyone. It does not seek recognition. It does not try to impress. It simply seeks to be at peace with everyone. Striving to be righteous with an earnest heart means that we will be honest with ourself and with God. Not that we can successfully lie to God.

No one will ever be fully sinless in this life, but we can all grow in a righteous life with God as we learn to overcome our own weaknesses and mature to the ultimate goals in life of any believer.

We want to hear our name read from the book of life and then we want to hear the Lord say well done good and faithful servant. We should never let go of our passion to grow our self in Gods grace.

#GrowMySpirit