Tuesday, June 4, 2013

When We Rationalize Sin



If you're a Christian, then you probably know that you're a sinner. We've heard it so many times. And yet, as I'm training my children in the Lord, I find myself excusing their sins, dismissing their lies and selfish hearts as part and parcel of being a kid. I chalk up their defiance to no nap and say they need to eat instead of dealing with their disobedience for what it is.

The truth is this:


SIN IS SIN  


Despite being tired, hungry, or "just a kid," God cannot abide sin. His Word says that "[i]f we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (I John 1:8). 

As moms, we have a great responsibility in teaching our children right from wrong and that includes disciplining them when they break God's commands. We have to stop rationalizing sin and root it out once and for all! 

Ask God for help. Confess your own sins. Repent and turn from those sins. Make a change today.

Do you ever rationalize your sins or the sins of your kids?

What one thing can you do today to change that?

I'm praying for you, Mama, and covet your prayers, too!


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8 comments:

  1. I see this sooo much in our daycare. Great post!

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  2. It's impossible to repent of sin that we don't recognize. I know that things I excused as "part of who I am," were unconquerable. When I confessed them, all of sudden for the first time in my life, there was progress by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an awesome post!

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    1. That is such a great point, Helene. What I see as just a part of my DNA may actually be a serious character flaw that I need to get a grip on. I can relate. That's also something I need to see and work on with my kids. What appears to be a part of who they are may really be an excuse taht sends them further from God. Great insight! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. As moms we get so bogged down that sometimes it seems easier to make excuses for our children's sins. it's work to discipline a child the right way. To explain to them what they did was wrong. Over and over again. I know I definitely need to remain mindful of not dismissing their bad behavior because they're tired or hungry or whatever. Great post!

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    1. I agree, Jillian. It gets so tiresome explaining over and over the same sin to our kids, yet we have to do it. I know I"m guilty of letting sins slide because I'M too tired or hungry or have a million things to do, too. Then I'm slacking on my job as a Mom. I have to remember my priorities: Salvation first, laundry second, lunch last :)

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  4. So true! I tend to go too far in either direction: excusing sin in my kids, usually because it's easier at the moment than really working with them on it, or being too strict. Lately I've been trying to work on picking my battles while disciplining and instructing them when they do sin. Showing them grace while teaching them the ways of the Lord. Not easy, but thank goodness we learn from the Master Teacher! Thanks for the encouraging post!

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    1. That is so good, Tauna. I have the same problem of finding that balance: not being too strict that everyone's walking on eggshells but also not letting everything slide and chaos ensues. I've found that when my children are exhibiting good behavior and I praise them for it that they really do want to keep it up. I think we have to slide in a little praise in there too to keep them motivated. Great points!

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  5. Yes, unfortunately I sometimes excuse my children's sin. It's easy to do! Thank you for the good reminder! I'm visiting from the Wise Woman link-up. :)

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