But what about what might be considered threats to their walk with God in reference to scandals rather than those considered more subtle? It is because while the Bible may be specific with reference to those threats considered resultant upon their disobedience, it is also full of examples directed at things which could be seen to potentially efficiently strip away life with reference to the ways in which every day could offer mechanisms that relate to normal-spectrum activities presented in ways which could offer those seeming normals to thereby be hidden away in the office talk, family mantra, or even the church mantra, all which could offer ways in which the presence of God could be absent among those who stand in their roles.
However, for those who seek to live a godly life, knowing these potential hazards is not a matter of fear it is a matter of enlightenment. The Bible’s teaching on these subjects is not a series of out-of-date do’s and don’ts but a living summons to freedom, joy, and sanctity. Below are nine secret sins that work against spiritual vitality and their biblical remedies.
1. Pride: The Root of All Sin
Pride goes before destruction, says Proverbs 16:18, and that destruction is not the immediate kind, but the slow-hardening-of-the-heart kind of destruction in response to the correction of God. Pride can manifest itself with apparent innocence or right:
- a) One-up
- b) Claiming credit when blessings occu
- c) Deflection of advice or input
The remedy is not self-abasement but humility a right estimate of oneself in the presence of God. This means to serve and not to want to be recognized, to thank God for every talent received, and to recognize that to depend upon Christ is to be strong and not weak.
2. Lust – The Battle for the Heart
Jesus gets right down to business in Matthew 5:28 in a message to his listeners: If your right eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of you than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. In today’s world, lust does not appear only in pornographic materials but perhaps in advertisements, in programs, in social encounters. Pornography ‘is a terrorist that could possibly harm our most valuable relationships,’ said a leader in a Christian ministry. How-to answers would encompass practices such as the memorization of Scripture (found in Psalm 101:3), boundary protection, and a strategy for accountability. The processes of identifying lustful triggers and using them to fuel worship and service can redirect the lustful desire towards something that will be pure and life-giving.
3. Idolatry – When Good Things Replace God
Modern-day idols will never be like statues. They could be a career, a relationship, an image, a security, or even a family if set aside for God. There was nothing on earth designed to fill our longings. Only God can do that. This, of course, was from John Calvin. The struggle against idolatry begins with a genuine soul search: What consumes most of my energy, imagination, and trust? The patterns of worship and Christian meditation and giving are a disruption of, a dethroning of, idols in that it keeps my attention on the cupboard, not its contents.
4. Envy – The Unsuspected Poison
Jealousy and selfish ambition are more than just envy of what another person has. James 3:16 says, Where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every kind of evil practice. It’s jealousy that robs us of thankful hearts. The solution for these feelings of envy that we have towards others involves kindness and prayer for them. We must be thankful to God every day for blessings and have an appreciate for gifts of others that don’t involve comparison. What is best for others is best for us shows us the wisdom of Bishop Barron that symbolizes Christ’s heart.
5. Sowing Discord – The Sin That God Hates
Speaking about Proverbs 6, one who sows discord among brothers is numbered alongside murder and lying. This act of division can be committed through rumor-spreading, subtle destruction, and fomenting division. Speaking more about this verse of the scripture, divisiveness causes destruction and the opposing of God. It is sustaining unity by refusing to distribute such information until it is verified and making provision for judiciary reconciliation, which is with the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in mind (Matthew 18:15-17). Being peacemakers is a virtue among the children of God, and it is by choice unavailable.
6. Gluttony – Beyond the Table
Gluttony means not just being full, but looking for more of what they don’t have, like more of this, more of that, and more fun, more entertainment. According to the Bible, in Philippians 3:19, gluttony means people whose god is their belly, whose minds are set on earth matters. Freedom starts withthe acknowledgment and admission of unhealthy dependence andthe openness to being held accountable. Practices of fasting, healthy eating habits, and exchanging indulgence with prayer shift the affections of one’s heart to seek satisfaction inwards.
7. Coveting – The Restless Hunger
Coveting is the refusal to be satisfied with the provision of God, and it is often a cloak for ambition. Paul describes it as idolatry in Colossians 3:5. This refusal to be satisfied with God’s provision can result in a variety of other sinful practices. Overcoming covetousness is achieved by identifying specific desires and then repenting of them while seeking to lay up treasure for the age to come (1 Timothy 6:19) through generosity. The key to being content is to prize Christ above every thing and understand His resourcefulness.
8. Living a Non-Evangelical Lifestyle – Disregard
The lack of sharing the gospel message is rarely confessed, but Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20 is for each believer. Illustrating this fact, one pastor showed that the early saints ‘mourned’ over ‘wasted opportunities to witness for Christ.’ Obedience involves seeing evangelism as a service of love, not a requirement. Requesting the gift of eloquence in your prayers, preparing a simple testimonial message, and extending the invitation to neighbors or co-workers can keep the mission at the forefront, says Bob Waldron, president of the International Convention of Foreign Missions.
9. Lack of Love towards Fellow
Christians Jesus said that the world would know His disciples by their love (John 13:35). But strife between denominations, between believers, because of small and large things, damages the witness of the message of the good news of the gospel. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, says Romans 13:8, advising believers of one thing they should owe. Forgiveness, seeking understanding, and embracing diversity are evidence of the life of Christ among those watching from the outside.
Those trespasses are small, compared to other sins brought to light, yet have a high spiritual price tag. But the good news is, it’s a sin exposed, along with the grace to overcome it, within the pages of God’s Word. Walk, humbly and carefully, and overcome.
