What does 'beset' mean? It means to trouble or attack. This is in the King James version which lots of us stray from but others feel is the 'only version' we should use. We all have sinned. Starting from when we were born we had a sin nature. But we do not have to continue a life of sin. When you think of sin what comes to mind? Perhaps 'Sin City', otherwise known as Las Vegas. Maybe murdering someone? What about stealing? Having sexual relations outside of the bond of marriage? Cheating is a sin too. Homosexuality is a sin that today is being widely accepted as an 'alternate lifestyle'. But what about lying, gluttony, gossip, hate, desiring what others have, adultery, and drunkenness which are among the 'sin list' too. The Bible says "let he who's without sin cast the first stone". (See John 8:7). No one is perfect but we should strive to be Christlike in all we do. Hey I am not that bad you may say but why not attempt to do as much as possible to walk the path of holiness.
Hebrews 12:1 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." In the King James version it says 'besets' for the word entangles. Do you have sins entangling or besetting you? Do you find it hard to stop sinning? Now mentioned above was the sin of drunkenness for instance. You may enjoy an alcoholic beverage but not be a drunk but the big 'if ' is will the drinking cause you to eventually become addicted and end up with the problem of alcoholism which can cause tremendous problems. My theory on this one is if you do not need to have a drink then don't. Be set apart and different. 1 Peter 1:14-16 says "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” You go to social functions that you may think require you to imbibe in wine and such but why not be different and just ask for a glass of iced tea, water, or a coke? It is not the drinking that is the sin it is not being able to stop and it leading to a life of addiction and heartbreak and broken families as a result of an alcohol problem. No one thinks it will happen to them.
Ephesians 4:22 says "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires". Certain things may not be 'that bad' but ask yourself if they are drawing you closer to the Lord or further away from him. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Are you running the race to try to get the prize of a life with Jesus in heaven? In Romans 13:12 it says "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
Do not keep justifying your sin as 'not that bad' or really this is okay so do not be such a prude. Pray and ask God to show you if the life you are leading and the activities you participate in truly please him. Seek to be on the path that leads to eternal life.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus today I ask you show me if there is anything in my life that is leading me away from you. Father I ask you too to set my feet on the right path and give me the ability to say no to those things that draw me further away from your kingdom. I know father there are many fine activities in this world to enjoy and many things that only bring shame to the kingdom of God. Make me have the desire to do only things that please you and bring me closer to a true love relationship with you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment