Sin does not hold back; sin gets what it wants at any cost. Sin can control our thoughts and actions if we let it. Our human nature is sinful. A recent episode of the Everyday Discernment podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network shares how only by correcting it with the transforming power of Jesus’ work on the cross and the Holy Spirit inside of us can we fight against it. It is important to note that no one is exempt from sin. Not one has “made it” to the point where they won’t be tempted.
David was chosen by God, a man after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14) and still, in a moment of weakness, started a course of actions that snowballed beyond what he ever planned. Sin rarely gets exposed right away; too often we have to commit more sin just to cover it up and keep it hidden. Sin, one way or another, will be brought to the light as Luke 8:17 says “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and revealed.”
Here’s the good news: As egregious as this sin was for David, it didn’t define him or his future. It was a footnote in his story. Consider how 1 Kings 15:5 describes David: “David did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter involving Uriah the Hittite.”
David stopped sin too late in this one instance, but he repented and learned from it. He repented in a way that changed his heart and never looked back.
Sin looks tempting, as if it has life and joy for you, but the Bible tells us it ends in death. That road will destroy anything and everything that comes in its path. It will betray you and those around you.
Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance and is something I constantly pray when I need a refreshing of the Spirit.
If you have sinned or need to repent, make this your prayer like David did:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your willing spirit” (Ps. 51:10-12).
In episode 27 of the Everyday Discernment podcast, I talk with Steve Arterburn, author of many bestselling books including Every Man’s Battle. We discuss why sin is so appealing, the battle plan we must have and what we must do to take our lives back. As Christians, we cannot be oblivious to the battle we face; we must have constant discernment against sin and the attacks of the enemy. You can be victorious in this battle by the power of Jesus Christ. {eoa}
