ENEMIES OF GOD

by STEVE DUNN

“By the cross we know the gravity of sin and the greatness of God’s love toward us. “
John Chrysostom, 4th century

“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.” – Colossians 1:21, New Living Translation

One of the things that keeps us from honest confession and true repentance is that we think of ourselves simply as good people gone bad, or decent folk damaged by the sin of the world (not necessarily a sin of our own commission).  We think in terms of what Dallas Willard has called “sin management” instead of salvation from our sin.  We live in God’s general neighborhood and own the property upon which we rest.

The Bible is very clear on this one.  Sin separates us from God.  Paul makes it very clear in his words to the Colossians.  Sin makes us God’s enemies.  Our mind is not conformed to Christ and as a result our actions do not, cannot please God.

Until God in his relentless love intervenes for us.

Question for prayerful reflection:  Are you taking your personal sin seriously?  What is there that needs to be confessed to God and repented from?  This is a question for seasoned saints and newly aware sinners.