When you sin, what is your first reaction? What do you think? How do you feel? *

When I sin, I feel guilty. That is probably a natural reaction. Quite frankly, a good reaction. I am sure it comes from the Holy Spirit.

So that I recognize that I have wronged God and need to repent. To ask for forgiveness. To turn away from my sin. To turn to God.

But, I am ashamed to say, I am often more concerned about what other people would think of me than what God thinks of me. “What would my Pastor think if he heard the way I got angry with that customer service rep?” “My parents would be disappointed in me if he knew I lingered too long on that TV program before turning the channel.” “What would my girlfriends say if they knew about my insecurities … and pride.” The thoughts and questions go on and on….

I wouldn’t say it’s wrong to be motivated to do right because we don’t want to disappoint others. Maybe it is. But the truth is, if we stay focused on doing what is right in the eyes of God, we wouldn’t have to worry about others. And since there is no doubt I will disappoint someone in my lifetime (spoiler alert: you will too), why bother trying not to?

But. I SHOULD be concerned about God. I SHOULD be concerned about my relationship with Him. I SHOULD be concerned about what He thinks. And what He wants for my life. My whole life. That includes my actions, thoughts, and feelings.

Yes, feelings too.

I want to try my best to not sin. Just because I know I will fail does not mean I shouldn’t try. But, I also want to try my best to not focus on what others think. Rather solely on what God thinks. In the process, I believe those around me who love me will be proud of my effort and forgiving of my imperfections knowing that I am a work in progress.

Spoiler alert: You are too.

 

*This article was originally written/published by the author under the title “Spoiler Alert.”