Here’s a question that I’ve been seriously conntemplating lately… Why is it that Christians are constantly pushing their way to the edge of the line that scripture has clearly defined? I’m so guilty of this it’s sad. Seriously!
For example, when does someone become a glutton? Or at what point does a physical relationship become fornication? What about materialism; when does one cross from simply enjoying the act of shopping or having nice things, to becoming a materialist. Alcohol; why is it that we can’t be satisfied with having a drink or two? Why must we take it to the point where we have a buzz or we’ve gone way too far and we’re flat out drunk? These examples are really just the tip of the iceberg! Why do we try to get as close as possible to the line that we know we are not to cross? Why is the temptation to test the boundary so great?
I’m not talking about moral nonbelievers; I’m talking about people with seemingly healthy relationships with Christ. If we asked around, we’d probably find that a majority of Christians have things that they regret doing or getting involved in. I certainly do! The regretted acts aren’t things that most of us intended to do, but we took enough steps in the wrong direction that we eventually fell off the cliff. Our seemingly minor daily decisions brought us closer and closer to the line that we didn’t want to cross. Before we knew it, we were shocked to discover that we’d stepped over that line. Personally, I can’t lie and say that I didn’t want to take those first steps; it was only the big ones I never planned.
So what’s the draw? Why do we so strongly desire to test the limits; push the line?
I’m at a loss…
For example, when does someone become a glutton? Or at what point does a physical relationship become fornication? What about materialism; when does one cross from simply enjoying the act of shopping or having nice things, to becoming a materialist. Alcohol; why is it that we can’t be satisfied with having a drink or two? Why must we take it to the point where we have a buzz or we’ve gone way too far and we’re flat out drunk? These examples are really just the tip of the iceberg! Why do we try to get as close as possible to the line that we know we are not to cross? Why is the temptation to test the boundary so great?
I’m not talking about moral nonbelievers; I’m talking about people with seemingly healthy relationships with Christ. If we asked around, we’d probably find that a majority of Christians have things that they regret doing or getting involved in. I certainly do! The regretted acts aren’t things that most of us intended to do, but we took enough steps in the wrong direction that we eventually fell off the cliff. Our seemingly minor daily decisions brought us closer and closer to the line that we didn’t want to cross. Before we knew it, we were shocked to discover that we’d stepped over that line. Personally, I can’t lie and say that I didn’t want to take those first steps; it was only the big ones I never planned.
So what’s the draw? Why do we so strongly desire to test the limits; push the line?
I’m at a loss…
3 comments:
Because we are human- and even though the lines are strictly drawn in the Bible- we as humans want to see how far we can go. Just as a child pushes the limits with his parents- we push the limits with Christ. For some- they're looking for the approval of the world, to feel as though they're accepted. For others, it's the feeling of being consistanly restricted, so in a small way they want to toss what they know to the wayside and "rebel" a little. As christians we know that no matter the reason- there will be Repercussion, and it's for God to judge us and determine our dicipline.
Amber,
Great thoughts... you challenge me as well. Thanks. I can't wait to see your smiling face at church this weekend too! :^) Hang in there girly, you are beautiful.
God Bless.
Thanks for the comments! I look forward to the day when the battle is over and there is no longer the internal struggle between our sinful nature and our desire to glorify our Savior. Until that time...
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