How could they even do that!

Psalm 81:11-12, "But my people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels."

This is the age old "some people just have to learn the hard way." If we would just listen to God's voice (through Scripture and through the Holy Spirit speaking through those who have gone before us), we would not suffer the consequences that come with doing things "the hard way." Sometimes we do learn from our mistakes (sins), but sometimes our actions can be so destructive that we don't survive.

In light of the various situations of sexual sin that have occurred lately in our "little world," I had read Romans 1 that speaks further on this subject. It says in verse 21, "...although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Verse 24 goes on to say, "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchange the truth of God for the lie..." verse 26, "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions..." verse 28, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting..."

How could they even do that? Well, the formula is laid out in those verses above: refusal to glorify God, un-thankful, and futile in thought. We get so selfish and full of lust that we neglect our Creator and the window of blessing He so desires to pour out on us when we obey. The craziest part to me is the lack of consideration for consequence to our action. Ephesians 5:15 is one of my favorite challenging passages that says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise." Circumspectly means to consider the circumstances and consequences. How is this thought/action going to affect me, my family, and ultimately my relationship with God?

So is there hope for someone who's on this path? Yes, Romans 2:4 says, "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" No, this verse doesn't sound very positive on the surface, but if you look at the Truths it claims, forgiveness is just waiting to be bestowed on the one in sin. There is not a guarantee to be saved from the path we may be on, but verse 4 describes not only God's patience with us, but more importantly that His goodness "leads us" to repentance. Repentance restores our relationship.

God desires sinful man to be reconciled to Him. He is the author of forgiveness. How many awesome stories are there of the "lost" finding grace and love that so overwhelms them that they can't help but cry out for healing and forgiveness!

Please take heed, all who know God, from those who have fallen to their own selfish, evil desires. Learn from their stories. Pray for purity and protection from temptation. Long for holiness in a land of corruption. Be the light that you were called to be. Let your life reflect God's greatness! Bless His holy name!