The greatest hindrance to freedom

"We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags." -- Isaiah 64:6

Sin.

Such a simple word on the surface, but dig a little deeper, and you get into the briers and brambles that make up much of our human existence.

As the Word says, "we are all infected" with it. Not a one of us is immune from its tempting taunts in one form or another. It's universal. Indeed, sin woos and calls to us in unique and creative ways, but sin is the great equalizer of this world. We all deal with it.

And it is, perhaps, the greatest hindrance to freedom in Christ. Either we're in sin and refuse to admit it and turn from it; we can't silence the haunting voices of past sins long since forgiven by a gracious and merciful God; or we do daily warfare with the temptation that seems to have such a bulldog hold on us.

Regardless, there are days when it appears that sin is the victor. But thanks to the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ, we have been given certain strategies to defeat the commander of this evil army.

First, we have permission to hate our sin. In fact, it's highly encouraged. Sin, which must be defined within the confines of the Word of God, is to be treated as the disgusting, foul, decaying matter that it is. Despite all attempts to dress it up, talk it down or perfume it away.

Second, we are invited to confess our sin. It, too, is highly encouraged. Sarah Young writes: "Man's tendency is to hide from his sin, seeking refuge in the darkness. There he indulges in self-pity, denial, self-righteousness, blaming, and hatred." But Jesus is the Light of the World, and He -- and only He -- can turn that darkness into light.

Third, we must understand the choice before us: the short and painful pleasure of sin, or the eternal and joyful awareness to the Presence of God. A.W. Tozer has said, "I would rather lose a leg and hobble along throughout the rest of my life than ever lose my sensitivity to God and His voice."

O, dear friends, do not be dismayed as the battle rages, for sin will surely continue to lurk and lure as long as we tread this cursed soil. But the ramparts for our victory are in place and the flag that flies over us as Christians is called Freedom.

Believe it. Trust it. Live in it. All because of Jesus.