This month we published a WordBytes entitled, Sin: What do we do with it? Our intent was to show the relationship between our nation’s current social/economic dilemma and “sin.” In response, our guest writer, Bethany Spilde offers encouraging options to address the “elephant in the room”–SIN. ENJOY!
The question
That 6-word question (What do we do with sin?) splashed color on the elephant (SIN) that had blended into the walls of churches, homes and society. And, like a carpet stain, it drives us nuts at first because we know it’s not supposed to be there. Then, life gets busy and distractions come in. Every day that passes, the stain is tolerated a little more until eventually it “blends in” and is forgotten. That’s what we refer to as the “slow fade.”
Well, the freshly painted elephant needs our attention. Take a deep breath and reflect on what is going on in our world. What sins have we accepted, tolerated or become numb to – which are leading families, leaders, communities and nations to ‘death’ (Ephesians 2)?
So, what more could we do with ‘sin’ after we have confessed, repented and are dead to it?
Is there a way to lead our families, communities and nation away from their current direction? What about the hopeless, ungodly, and captives which the last WordBytes referenced in 1 Peter 4:17-18?
YES! If you have experienced God’s grace – it’s time to take it up a notch to GLORIFY Him!
Your TESTIMONY has the power to inspire others to faith in Jesus Christ.
By SHARING your personal story of God’s saving grace, He is glorified! It is our duty and privilege to share who God is and what He has done. We must never lose sight of the reality that God is active among us – it is what sets us apart from the rest of the world and inspires the lost soul to know Him.
In Romans 5, Paul writes: “…He [Jesus] has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory!”
Also, in the tenth chapter Paul states that salvation is for ALL. “How can people believe if they have not heard the message? How can they hear if the message isn’t proclaimed? … How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!”
Indeed, it’s time to get real and relational with the people around us.
Bring the message. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. When we let our walls down and stop judging, we allow God’s love to overflow onto everyone around us.
What would happen to families, churches and society if parents and leaders humbly admitted/shared their personal failures and how their life has changed because of God? What if there were more “God’s grace stories” in general – at breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Your testimony will encourage and increase faith in fellow believers and lead the lost to Jesus. Even David took testimonies as a heritage, which rejoiced in his heart (Psalm 119:111).
What is the most effective way to share?
Start with God. Talk about who He is and how He created the world and each of us in his image, with plans to prosper and give us hope. He knew us before we sinned (example of Adam and Eve) and had a redemption plan in place (Jesus) to save us from a fallen world.
Past sin/struggle. Describe the sin, a little of what life was like living from human nature/fleshly desires of the world, while realizing that God is bigger than any sin. Note, this is where most people start their testimony (“I was a sinner” i.e. alcoholic, glutton, thief). It’s important to start with God because He has been and will always be with us.
Jesus. Next, explain your encounter with Jesus. God sent His only son to die upon the cross for our sins, while we were still sinners, so that we might have a relationship with Him (Ephesians 2). God loves you and cares deeply to not leave you where you are at. He sees you as whole, complete, and His child above all else (Philippians 1:6). He has specific plans for you, for good. God’s kindness spurs us to confess and repent, knowing He is quick to forgive and shower us with the depths of His grace (Romans 4:7).
Life. Share how are you living now after coming to Jesus with your sin and receiving Forgiveness and Grace. There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. He has placed a new heart and spirit in us, which inspires us to do what is right and good (Ezekiel 36:26).
It is my hope that you and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ will be bold in rising above the sin through your testifying of His Grace in your life. I pray boldness and courage…and an increase of faith and revelation for you. Who will you “say it forward” to for His Glory?