The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.** Genesis 6:5-6 (NIV)**
“Prior to the flood, when God considered the abject wickedness of mankind and their continual patterns of evil thoughts, He is described as having felt great sorrow.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible Old Testament Lexical Aids. The God of all creation mourned. Indeed, believers break God’s holy heart when we choose to wallow in the pig pen of sin rather than bask in His glorious Presence seeking to walk in righteousness, purity, peace, joy, truth and love through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
This side of heaven none of us are sinless yet all believers are to be about sinning less. Every sin carries with it a death sentence – a death to something be it trust, peace, relationship, and on and on we could go. Sin is not our friend rather our fiend, as it costs us dearly, and we embrace it to our own harm. Remember how it cost our Lord Jesus as He died for each one to cleanse us from them - not to wallow back in them again. Scripture warns us in Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV): “Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
It also does us well to remember every sin strikes at the honor and glory of God and at the heart of our Lord Jesus. A truly penitent soul will seek to cast out all known sin – despising it – and desirous of crucifying it in their lives. Believers in Christ are called to walk as Jesus walked – in purity, love and kindness. Further, we are not alone. We are given the Holy Spirit to enable us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Repentance actually means to turn back from the point of departure. And the faster we do this, the better off we are – no matter what consequences await. He is waiting and faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. And a cleansed heart is more valuable than gold. Further, there is no pit that His Hand cannot go further still. He died to save us and He has equipped us to walk in a manner worthy of His great calling on our lives – through His power and for His glory and for our good. We need only to turn and come. Repentance is a flower that does not grow in nature’s garden and it is a turning from darkness to light. Be as quick to repent as the Lord is to restore us. If sin cost the angels their place in heaven and Adam paradise, we show true wisdom by counting the cost to ourselves and others before we embrace it. It is never for our good no matter how bright the picture the adversary of our souls may paint.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear -- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy -- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.** Jude 1:22-25 (NIV)**