Justification of Doing Wrong

Let’s be honest. You hid stuff as a kid! I have a confession to make! I grew up in a very strict home and wasn’t allowed to listen or watch a lot of things. As a kid, I had Paula Abdul and New Kids on the Block tapes hidden in a chocolate box under my bed! You may think, “What’s the big deal?” No matter your house rules, I disobeyed intentionally and hid it from my parents.  I don’t think they ever knew, but now it is posted on a blog for the world and my parents to read.

Rather than debate the gradient nature of sin and compare severity, let’s agree that disobedience is disobedience. Justification of doing wrong is always justification of doing wrong. It is not simply child’s play. As a child, it may be lying or hiding tapes under your bed. As an adult, it may be cheating on taxes, cheating on your wife, or cheating on an exam. No matter the scenario, we are tempted to sin and give in to that temptation. 

Simply being tempted is not a sin. Reading James 1:13-15, we learn that temptation gives birth to sin as we ponder, dwell, contemplate, plan, or act. Does this sound familiar? You are tempted and, without resisting, become overwhelmed with the idea. You fixate on satisfying the urge to feed your flesh. Look at that website. Spend that money. Pour one more drink. Look longingly and infatuate your mind. Sound familiar?

We all struggle with this daily. The hope is that Christ came and was tempted like us. In doing so He identified with sinners and set demonstrated tools to overcome. He talked back to the Enemy. He fought lies with truth. He quoted Scripture. Simply stated, He fought fire with fire. 

Avoid fighting a spiritual battle with fleshly mind tricks when you are tempted. Fight in the spiritual realm. Arm yourself according to Ephesians 6 and fight the good fight!