Proverbs 5:21-23
For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all your paths.
The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.
For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.
This can be a little scary to think about. Everything we do, everyday, is in full view of God. Even the things we think we are doing in secret. There are no secrets with God. He knows it all. He sees it all. This even means our thoughts, what's going on in our heart and our head. How does that make you feel when you take a moment to reflect on your day? God saw all of those sins that know one is supposed to see or know about. You may be able to hide those things from your spouse, your boss, your co-workers, and the rest of the world; but none of it has been hidden from God!
I don't even have to list out secret sins. You are already thinking of yours.
For most of us the majority of our secret sins occur in our thought life. How would you feel about having all of your thoughts for a 24-hour period recorded and available on YouTube? It would show words and video. Would you have any friends left after that? Would you still be married after your spouse saw it?
Many of these sinful thoughts we're not even aware of. Judging others. Looking at someone lustfully. How about all of those thoughts you have while you are driving?
God sees, and hears them all. Our lives, thoughts and actions, are like a never-ending YouTube video to Him. He never turns it off, and we can never block Him from it. Every aspect of our lives is lived out in full view of Him.
This is how the wicked are ensnared by their evil deeds. They think that they are "getting away with it" so they arrogantly don't repent. Their sins bind them tighter and tighter. They think they are smarter than God- somehow they can trick Him and hide their wickedness from Him.
The more they think they are getting away with their sins, the more they push the envelope. They get bolder. They get more wicked. They get more extreme.
This is the lack of discipline that will destroy them. Their pride and arrogance is their great folly. It will destroy them. Unrepentance kills. They continue to reject Jesus' free gift of salvation because they truly believe that they don't need it. They believe that they are fooling God. Even when they are confronted with their sins, they harden their hearts and dismiss the person who loves them enough to confront them.
It is for this reason that they will die. They reject eternal life and salvation, and instead fight for their sins. Sadly, God will let them keep them. It's too bad that their pride and selfishness has blinded them to the fact that Jesus has already freed them from those chains. They are free to live a life of freedom and joy. Instead they choose to remain shackled by the chains of sin. They choose to remain a slave to Satan and their sinful flesh.
This is why John the Baptist came preaching his sweet message: Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near!
And then after we repent, we have the message of hope from Peter on Pentecost:
Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call.-Acts 2:38-39
God wants everyone to be saved. That's why He sent Jesus to pay the price for ALL sin.
He wants us to turn from our folly and wickedness, and "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near!"
Happy Advent!
Jason Fredrick
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