Willful Sins

Have you ever given sin much thought?

I mean like ..

“willful sins”

Psalms

I’ve been reading through the book of Psalms. It isn’t my favorite book to read, but I think it’s necessary to my walk with Christ.  A few chapters have spoke to me, but the one I want to point out is chapter 19. You can read the whole chapter here.  There are only 14 verse, but check out 12 & 13.

12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

This certainly isn’t my first time though the Psalms and every time I come across these verses, I cringe.

I was talking with a friend a few weeks back and brought up the topic of willful sins.  I was thinking about gluttony.  I feel like that is my willful sin.  I LOVE food!  More specifically sugar, chocolate, ice cream.  You get the idea.

My friend was saying that the “willful sins” he sees most in the christian community are drunkenness and gossip.  I was kind of surprised at first, but then I started thinking and realized he was right.

Most of the believers I know drink wine or beer.  It’s not for me to say whether they are given to drunkenness. I am only responsible for my love for wine.  And almost every person I talk with will gossip.  That includes me at times as well.  I’ll tell ya, that was convicting.

Sometimes, we say, do and think things, that we do not realize are sinful.  Especially young believers.  But when we sin willfully, we know we are doing it.  We try to justify our sin, but we know in our hearts we are willfully sinning.

The question is what do you do when you’ve willfully sinned?  Do you just ignore that conviction from the Holy Spirit?  Tell yourself, you won’t do that again?  I know I do.

Did you see the rest of that verse?

“Do not let them rule over me”

How do we not let these willful sins not rule us? I’ve written a couple posts about this topic.  “How To Avoid Temptation” and “Why is Obedience so Difficult” 

Basically, we can’t really avoid temptation.  Being ready for it is possible.  However, we’ve got to want to be obedient.

That’s were I struggle.  I want to eat the ice cream.  Sometimes I want to know the gossip and that 3rd glass of wine is very relaxing when I’m emotionally drained from dealing with my mom.  I do wonder at times, how is any of that beneficial to me?  How do I bring glory to the Lord when I willfully sin?  It’s not and I don’t.

King David was really wise asking God to keep him from willful sins and asking God to not let them rule over him.  It’s a great little prayer to remember.

Prayer

Dear Lord, keep me from willful sins.  Do no let them rule over me.  Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgressions.  Amen.

I do hope this has given you something to think about.  I know it has me.

Are you brave enough to tell the world your willful sins?  If so, share them in the comment link above or below this post.  Also, share how you plan to be prepared next time you are tempted.

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Happy Fall
♥Sabrina