I think compromise is the issue: if not consciously, then subconsciously, we tend to ask of ourselves, "How far can I go and still be called a Christian?" The authors suggest that we should be asking, "How holy can I be?" I agree. We don't want to make nuanced bargains with God and ourselves: I had a good week and I did not stare at any girls, so if I do it this weekend, it'll be ok. I had a tough week and pornography relaxes me...I need a break! I think we have to remember that while God is full of grace and mercy and understands our weaknesses, his standard for conduct is very high. He doesn't keep score: Well, Bill had six 'good' days this week and one 'bad' one, so overall, he's doing well. If God kept score and we did not have the covering of Jesus Christ, one sin would put us as far away from God as 100 sins. We don't want God keeping score! And while he loves us and Christ has died for our past, present, and future sins, we should not deliberately sin and grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:29-32). We are new men in Christ and we need to act like it. When we know right from wrong and choose disobedience we grieve the God who created us, sustains us, and saves us. Why would we willing do this?
Remember King Josiah who did not grieve the heart of God, but was obedient to Him:
Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their fathers. (2 Corinthians 34:29-33)May we pursue the same in our lives.
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