Ephesians 5:5-6 “You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.”

People can justify just about anything. When it comes to personal desire, people can argue with others and themselves, offering excuses of every shape and size in order to rationalize why their desires are warranted and should be fulfilled. Believers will feel the sting of conviction whenever they are faced with something they know to be wrong. The Spirit of God within us will not allow us to simply stroll into sin without first attempting to stop us. Any time we find ourselves having to make excuses for something we have done, it is a good bet that we have been or are being enticed. Whether we find ourselves offering justifications to ourselves or to others, it is a sign that we are in danger of compromising our faith, our beliefs, or our principles. Find someone in the midst of doing wrong, and you will not have to ask but they will immediately offer an explanation. Why? Honest behavior and truth require no explanation. Anything you feel compelled to hide because others “might not understand” is almost certainly sin. Sin does not relish exposure. It does its work in secret. Are there any areas of your life where you have been compromised?

Pray: “Dear Father, your Spirit within me teaches me what is right and what is wrong. Whenever I find myself opposed or arguing against what it tells me, I am most certainly facing temptation and enticement. Give me the clarity of thought, O’ Lord, to see this for what it is, the enemy luring me into sin, and give me the strength to resist with all that is in me. In Jesus name through whom I draw my strength I pray – Amen.”