y Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Plunging into the frigid lake the first time each summer nearly takes my breath away. Struggling to the surface for air my initial shock is verbalized with a shout, “Whew! It’s cold!”
A few minutes after I swim around, however, I realize the water isn’t as bad as I once thought. I just needed a little time to get used to it.
A similar altercation takes place when it comes to the influence of the world and its progression of sin. At first we are shocked by the increase of violence, sexual sin, and disregard for God’s laws in our culture, but the longer we allow ourselves to be exposed to such attitudes and behaviors, the less shock we feel. Sadly, we become increasingly desensitized and even indifferent to sin.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
We live in a culture that continually stretches the boundaries of ethical character in the opposite direction of God’s moral code. Under the influence of the enemy, the margins of right and wrong are continually redefined and blurred.
The result?
Humanity as a whole grows more and more complacent towards obvious sin. Even long time Christians have begun to question their once staunch convictions. And is it any wonder? After all, being continually bombarded with messages that promote opposing views we are not impervious to worldly influence.
As we are tempted by the dark side, we confuse the limits of right and wrong. With each indulgence, apathetic attitude, and tolerance we drift further and further from God.
Like jumping into a frigid lake, the stab of conviction fades into the recess of our mind each time we tread the murky waters of sin and circumstance.
And sadly, the longer we succumb, the more comfortable we become.
Thankfully there is hope… through Christ we can overcome!
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
