Friday, August 10, 2012

Focused, Uncluttered, Forgiven

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)

It was right in front of me.                                               

A snake.

Okay, so it was only about 2 inches long. I had to look closely to confirm that it was a snake, not a worm.

Now, the verification of my dislike for snakes is demonstrated in the fact that I could not post a photo of the real thing. In fact, my search for an image to include still has my muscles tied in knots and my face all squinched up.

My point being that even baby snakes make me cringe...and shudder...and ponder staying inside...forever.

I want it to be that way with my sin.

(Well, not the part about staying inside forever.)

I want it to make me cringe and shudder and run!

This week my posts have been based on Hebrews 12:1-2, keeping our focus on Jesus, throwing off everything that hinders, all the clutter...including the sin that so easily entangles.

And that means even the "baby snake" sins...the ones that can escape unnoticed. You know, the gossip that sneaks its way into conversation, the critical spirit that slithers in and kills the joy, the little white lie that slinks right out of your mouth, the ungrateful attitude that wraps itself around your thoughts and squeezes the life out of words of thanksgiving, the bitterness and unforgiveness that stays coiled in the den of our hearts.

Oh may God slay every unwholesome thought before it enters the garden of my mind. I pray that He takes His heavenly hoe and chops off its head before it emerges into my actions.

And when I fail,  may I be quick to confess and renounce...and find mercy.

6 comments:

Susan said...

OHHH MY, I HATE snakes!! I'm there with you on the shuddering. And yes -- how great would it be if we had the same reaction to our sin.

Fabulous thought to end the week, sweet Kristi. Love you!!

Kristi Butler said...

Happy Birthday, Susan!!! Oh how I wish we were together to celebrate!!

Thanks for your sweet words!!

Love you!

sandi said...

"My point being that even baby snakes make me cringe...and shudder...and ponder staying inside...forever.

I want it to be that way with my sin."

OH KRISTI!!! I couldn't have said it better myself!! Doesn't it just seem easier to HIDE rather than confront our sins?? This was a FANTASTIC post and a great way for me to start the day....(not thinking about snakes, but thinking about SIN!!)
Thanks, my friend!!!!!! :)

Kristi Butler said...

Sandi, you are so kind! Thanks so much for your encouragement. Love and hugs!!

Kristi Butler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amy W Thornton said...

Oh how I love this post! Yes! I have felt the exact same thing. That I long for the day when I am as repulsed by my sin as God is. Because right now I am much more successful at hiding from it. Thank you so much for this post and the wisdom it contains. And thank you for linking up with NOBH! Smiles!