The Almost Sin

I am pretty sure most Christians do not like to sin. At least we have conditioned ourselves to say that we don't like to sin because we know that we are not supposed to like to sin. As we grow in maturity and experience we actually build a large case against sin as we see the effects it has on our relationships with other people and with God.

Yet, there is still that temptation that crops up, that voice that reminds us how fun sin could be. And, if we could just go for the good part and leave out the relationship-killing part wouldn't that be great?

And so in true genius form we create The Almost Sin. That is an intentionally vague term that describes any situation where people use the words, "How far is too far?" How much cursing is too much? I mean sometimes its just fun, or funny to be hangin' with the guys and crack that perfectly-timed joke. How much skin is too much before the really great and funny movie just becomes something I would be completely ashamed to let my small group see me watching? How much bitterness is understandable, because they really hurt me this time and I just need time to be angry with them!?

I am not sure how it is that my brain keeps coming up with convoluted ways to try to explain my need for things that it knows will only bring pain. But, I am pretty sure why it happens. When I begin sensing these feelings in myself and hearing these little advertisements-for-sin in my own head I know that I do need something. I need more time with God. Every time I am tempted with The Almost Sin it is because I have attempted to fill a true need that God intended to fill with something other than Him and His plan.

It could be "the guys" and the feeling of belonging that they bring, it could be "the girl" and the sense of excitement that she promises, it could be "the friend" and the absolute faith I put in our relationship that would never let me down. Any time I try to fill God-created needs with Me-created solutions I begin walking down the path that God describes in James when He says,

"but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Be careful of The Almost Sin, because when fed it always leads to The Full Grown Sin. I remind myself that I don't have to fight the desire of my heart, I just have to refocus my mind on Who will satisfy that desire. As a believer, God is shaping the desires of my heart. My problems arise when I stop going back to Him for their fulfillment too.