Sin – Refining [Spiritual Growth]

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

What comes to mind when you hear the words contaminated, filthiness, defilement, pollution, and toxic? For me, I immediately feel a call to action: find the Lysol, mask, gloves, solution, etc. Honestly, another initial response might be to find an escape route from the area under siege from the awful state.

But what if the thing contaminated is ME! Not exactly an item where I can separate from or run away from. What can I do? How can I cleanse myself? Where is the root cause? And the list continues as I ponder the solution.

In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul is very clear about contamination. The overall message is that this is a state we all find ourselves in. He looks at the condition from an internal and external lens.

The External (Flesh):

Externally, there is pollution all around affecting us. However, this is also our own fleshly actions, words, and habits. Ex: aftereffects of the tongue, “rotten/corrupt words” or digital/social distractions, or toxic complaining. This is where accountability can be applied.

The Internal (Spirit):

This is about our thoughts, motives, and “heart-squirrels.” It is my hot mess area where my mind squirrels onto things outside of God’s goodness, such as pride, envy, or malice. For me, it is the struggle between my heart and my head. It is a constant battle of staying focused, letting God lead, and getting out of the way. This is where the surrender can be applied.

When studying the entire chapter 7 in 2 Corinthians and then reflecting on the application, I began thinking about “finding a solution” for my contamination internally and externally. Let me share three takeaways:

I need cleansing, and I do not possess the independent power to do so. Thank goodness, true cleansing is God’s work. He promises us that we can receive purification through the efficacy of Christ’s blood and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

I must embrace sanctification. The Holy Spirit lives within me. The Spirit works inwardly to assist in the process of purification. It is about perseverance: staying on the right course and choosing to live under the authority of the Lord daily.

I can strive to do the opposite and find healthier habits. If I determine my “contaminants” and pair them with “opposing” virtues and spiritual disciplines, I can choke out the contaminants. This was an ah-ha moment for me.

Below is an example of embracing an opposing mindset. I pray this perspective helps you begin determining your own contaminants and finding a solution that you can embrace as well:

The Spiritual Decontamination Chart

Contaminant	The Opposing Virtue	The Practical Habit
*Worry*	Faith & Trust	*The Sacred Pause:* 60 seconds of silent gratitude.
*Pride*	Humility	*Anonymous Service:* Help someone without taking credit.
*Bitterness*	Forgiveness	*Prayer for Enemies:* Specifically name them in prayer.
*Lust/Gluttony*	Temperance	*Fasting:* Skip a meal or social media to reset.
*Deceit*	Truthfulness	*Evening Examination:* A 5-minute honesty audit.

Which of these ‘opposing habits’ do you need to lean into this week? Let’s encourage each other in the comments below.

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
James 1:15 (ESV)

Violence, destruction, cruelty, heinous crime, unbelievable loyalty to killing, hate, injustice…when will it ever stop? Throughout history, we see examples of sin manifesting itself into hearts and becoming full blown issues in the world. Take a look at current times. The news is painted with scene from Israel as rockets enter the land and citizens scramble for shelter. And why? How can this be? What causes differences to escalate to levels such as these? What is the root cause of this ongoing behavior?

We probably all would agree on the three letter word: Sin. However, what is sin? 1 John 5:17a (KJV) says, “All unrighteousness is sin…” 1 John 3:4 (NLT) states, “Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.” And, not to be a Debbie Downer, sin entered mankind through Adam and Eve therefore, this issue is a struggle for all humanity.

In chapter one of Nahum, we find our precious God defined as Holy, righteous, and the perfect representation of purity and light. The supreme authority, able to judge the hearts, minds, and actions because He is all knowing. There is none greater than Him although the enemy has tried. (Isaiah 14:12-15). Nahum reminds us that God is loving and patient, but there comes a time when He says Enough Already!

When reflecting upon this, gardening comes to mind. We have several large clusters of ornamental grass throughout our flowerbeds. There are years when last year’s growth isn’t cut down soon enough and new growth begins to appear. Unfortunately, the dead stalks begin choking out the current sprouts and effect the overall production. It can cause the grass to not fill in completely and be all it could possibly be. So, at some point we have to deal with it and say Enough Already! (As you can tell from the picture above, we got a little behind on the task.)

Sin has a way of choking out our spiritual growth as well. In Romans 6:23 (KJV) we read, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Sin can slowly creep into our lives and eventually take over if we don’t stay on top of it. Much like the grass, once it gets out of control it is a hard task of dealing with it. Little by little, pruning and separating useless debris from productive areas is not for the faint of heart. It is never fun and exposes more than we ever knew was there. (Just like the two wheelbarrows full of dead stalks removed.)

God is slow to anger and very patient with us. He loves us beyond measure, but we must know that at some point He will utter the words, Enough Already! Nahum 1:3 (ESV) The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Our sweet Lord has given us free will and wants us to draw close to Him. God provided His Son as a sacrifice and extends the gift of forgiveness if we are open to receive. John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He went even farther by giving us His Word as a roadmap to living and the Holy Spirit to guide us daily. The Father wants us to deal with our sins and stay under His authority. It is not an easy task and it does require discipline and dedication to live life according to God’s ways. But–oh the reward, the transformation, the renewal, the fruit, and the list goes beyond our human comprehension. Jeremiah 24:7 (NIV) I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Is there a part of your life you can identify as Enough Already! I know there is for me.

Psalm 86:5 (ESV) For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Psalm 86:1-17 (ESV) Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Tag: Sin

The Toxic Inside: When the Contamination is You.

Enough Already!