Romans 5:20-6:2
The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

If we confess, God's grace continually outweighs our sin. But just because God is so merciful, loving, gracious, and forgiving doesn't mean that we are to do whatever we want. As believers, we are to die to our sins. Sin should not reign in our lives. One of the biggest misconceptions of Christianity is that believing in Christ is enough to be saved. This is one of the biggest problems that I have with children's ministry. We grow up hearing the incomplete truth. A relationship with Christ isn't a one time thing. It's ongoing! It's a daily battle of sinful desires versus what God has called us to do.

Each time we walk in sin, we are effectively saying a few things. The first thing that we are saying is that we don't appreciate the crucifixion. Jesus went through all of that so that you could be SAVED from your sin, not for you go use Him as a lifeline when you are doing things that you shouldn't be. True repentance isn't "Oh hey God, I'm sinning again. Please forgive me" and then continuing to indulge in that sin. Repentance is the acknowledgment that not only sin is wrong but getting as far away from it as possible, knowing full well that indulging in it will continue to detract from your relationship with Christ. We are called to be holy as God is holy. (1 Peter 1:16).

The second thing it says is that our sin is better than what God has to offer. We neglect that God is offering us the chance to join him in eternity and that sin leads to condemnation. We say that living in the here and now is better than what is to come. When my family goes to a buffet for dinner, we usually don't each lunch. We withhold from eating even though we are hungry, knowing greater things are to come. Sometimes I crack and snack before the buffet and by the time I get there, the buffet is ruined because I don't have an appetite. Similar situation here. We need to have a bigger outlook on what's going on. It isn't just about now. It's about eternity.

We don't know when we will be called home. My family didn't know that my cousin would leave us at such a young age. It's important for us to get our act together NOW. This is something that we cannot afford to procrastinate on. Living for Christ should look something like this: Walking away from sin and walking towards God and continually growing in your relationship with him. Don't be fooled. Just because you go to church doesn't mean your a Christian. Just because you prayed the prayer doesn't mean you're a Christian. Just because you've served in church doesn't mean your a Christian. You can fool everyone around you but you cannot fool God. Jesus said in Matthew 7 that you can tell false prophets from disciples by the fruit they produce. What fruits have you been producing?

*I don't mean to target this at anyone. I recently saw a video (as referenced in my roommate's blog) and it triggered convicting thoughts upon my heart.