What's the Verdict?

Yesterday we began the process of dealing with our vices or sins. Today we will start the examination process to determine exactly what they are. I mentioned a few of them on yesterday to get us jumpstarted. But let’s not get it twisted or make excuses on what our shortcomings are and try to limit them to what I like to call, sins of the flesh. You know what I’m saying, those sins we can see like stealing, anger, adultery, lying, and gossiping. Ah contrar, we must not leave out what I like to call the sins of the spirit (even though all sin affects the spirit) like unforgiveness, resentment, manipulation and fear.

We go through life doing what we do and we honestly believe its not affecting anyone, so we continue on. Examine yourself! In I Corinthians 11:31-32 it says we should judge (examine, look at) ourselves so we won’t have to be judged because when we as believers are judged by God, he chastens us so we won’t be condemned with the world (paraphrased). In other words, if we look at ourselves, acknowledge our wrong and seek God for help (repenting), we are once again in right standings before Him and He won’t have to correct us.

Here are some ways to begin the examination process: Get alone in a quiet place; ask God to walk you from childhood through adulthood and show you the times in your life where you first experienced, hurt, pain or disappointment, at the hands of someone else. It could be abuse (physical or verbal), neglect from a parent, rejection from an absent parent (in the home or out of the home), a divorce that left you bitter and angry, hostile work environment, church hurt, or maybe you’re angry with God. I didn’t say this would be easy, but it is necessary.

Only YOU know what you’ve experienced and YOU know that something isn’t quite right with what you’re doing or the way you’ve been behaving.  So you’ve been covering it up or even going so far as to blaming others for it. Share it with Jesus, even though He knows, so He can help you with it. Our next step, the Identification process!

So…what’s the verdict?

Your thoughts?