from Russell Moore’s Tempted and Tried
We sinners are remarkably good at rationalizing our sin. We can come up with a myriad of reasons why our particular vice isn’t really theft, envy, abuse, etc. because our situation is exceptional. We may even be able to outline the exact reasons why our actions are immoral, but because of our specific circumstances we are excused. Or perhaps we view ourselves as a slave to our passions, a powerless mess that is hopelessly animalistic and therefore incapable of accountability or change.
Viewing ourselves in this way means we have forgotten who we are. We are created beings, neither beastly nor above reproach. Rationalizing sin is the beginning of life-wreckage. In order to defeat temptation, we must face reality. We cannot mistake a seeming lack of conscience for the freedom from temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says temptation is “common to man.” We must recognize this and resist apathy and excuses. We need to run to the Lord in acknowledgment and repentance, with a desire to live in holiness.
Learn more about Tempted and Tried.
Related posts:
- Video Interview: Russell Moore on Tempted and Tried
- The Normalization of Pride
- More Than a Momentary Defense Against Temptation
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