Unfortunately, throughout time Christians have become too comfortable with sins – to the point of their own detriment. As Christians, we must become aware of these sins and make the necessary changes to glorify God in our life.
Sadly, in the modern day, many sins are being swept under the rug. As a follower of the Lord, you never need to become too comfortable with sins. Instead, it is wise to weed them out of your life. If a person lives in accordance with the sinful flesh, it will be impossible for them to live in accordance with the will of God.
Here are seven sins Christians have become too comfortable with.
1. Gossip
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28).
Gossip is incredibly common within Christian circles. Although the Bible condemns gossiping, many believers continue to gossip for fun, excitement, or pleasure. Gossiping about others is never right. It only tears down your fellow believers in Christ.
Instead of gossiping about others, build them up. Paul says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Never gossip about others – it will only lead to troubles.
2. Lying
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9-10).
“White lies” and “virtuous non-truth telling” have been normalized within the church. While it is one thing to lie about having Jews in your home during the Holocaust, it is another thing to lie about the income on your taxes, to lie to your parents, or to lie to your spouse. Lying will only ruin your relationships with others and it will slowly destroy your life.
Decide in your heart that you will never speak lies again. Ask the Lord to hold you accountable. Tell Him that lies will never come from your lips again. Whenever you are tempted to lie, the Lord will give you strength and help you overcome the temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is always better to speak the truth than to speak lies.
3. Placing Family, Marriage, Children, or Relationships Above God
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below” (Exodus 20:4).
When you think of idols, what comes to mind? Perhaps money or fame? Unfortunately, even good things can become idols in our lives. Anything that we place above God in our lives becomes an idol. What is the idol of your life? How do you think it got placed above God?
Family, marriage, children, and relationships are often placed above God in a Christian’s life. If this is something you are seeing in your own life, repent and turn to the Lord (1 John 1:9). He will forgive you and set your feet on steady ground. Ask Him to help you place Him at the center of your life again. God is faithful, and He will ensure there are no idols in your life.
4. Wasting Time
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
How much time are you spending on social media a day? How much time are you worrying? How much time are you stressing over scenarios that will probably never happen? Sadly, any of these things can cause us to waste our time. None of us are promised forever on this earth, therefore, we need to be wise.
We must glory God with our time – we don't need to waste it. Even the plainest Monday can be turned into a beautiful celebration of God’s love. Choose to make the most of every opportunity and live every day for God. God has wonderful plans in store for your life, but you have to seize the moment.
5. Judging Others
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2).
Within the church, most people have been judged. How many times have you walked into a church service and you were judged for your appearance? Maybe you didn't wear the same dress as someone else or you showed up in casual clothes. Sadly, churches are often the most judgmental place to be on Sunday mornings.
If this is a sin in your life, turn to God. Ask Him to help you walk away from this sin and to return to Him with your entire heart. God will help you see the detriment of judging others. With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Therefore, choose to love others, extend grace, and practice humility in all areas of life.
6. Pride
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
Pride is a sin because it causes you to see yourself as being better than others. Rather than adhering to pride, pull it out at its roots. Challenge yourself to walk away from pride. It will be tough, but nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). God will transform a prideful heart into a humble heart.
Humbleness will spring into being as you step away from pride. If you continue in a state of pride, you will fall. God will not allow pride to continue in your life. There will be life circumstances to occur that will humble you. Choose to turn to God now and find strength in His forgiveness.
7. Self-Absorption
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
In the modern day, self-absorption is praised, especially within social media. Taking the “best” selfie or having the “perfect” post will never bring you true happiness. Self-absorption will only grow from an interest to an obsession. Surrender any inkling of self-absorption to the Savior. He will help you break free from this idol.
Christians have normalized many sins within their lives, even to the point of becoming comfortable with them. This is something you need to be aware of. By taking the proper steps, you can ensure you do not let any idol overtake your life.
