Slippery Slopes

Here's where my mental exercises took me today. Sorry it's so long. Lots to think about.

Psalm 32 is a beautiful picture of what our sin cycles look like and how God's amazing grace addresses each one. Three words are used to describe our miserable conditions as sinful humans: transgressions, sin, and iniquity. The Bible study I'm doing asked me to write my thoughts about each of them. Having a fascination for words sent me to Webster's dictionary first, then to my own opinion about how these might be classified as a downward spiral. You can certainly disagree with me but here are my impressions.

Transgression "infringement or violation of a law, command or duty"
I see these as our inevitable "slip ups." Those things we do that we don't really intend to be violating God's law but in our weakness, we slip. Angry words to our spouse or children, keeping the change we got in error, telling little white lies to keep us from having to deal with difficult situations.

Sin "an offense against religious or moral law"
This seems to me to be the next level on the slippery slope. This is more purposeful. We know it's wrong but do it anyway because we don't think anyone will know or care. Cheating on our taxes, extra marital affairs, participating in immoral practices at work, ignoring God's will in our lives for what is easier. (Ouch)

Iniquity "the quality of being unfair or evil"
This one seems to be the most dangerous. This is when it ceases to be a decision and has now become a "quality," a part of our character and lifestyle that doesn't even tweak our conscience anymore.

If you look closely at the Psalm 32 passage, you can see where God, as He often does, provides a complementary three words to describe how He responses to our slippery behavior.

Forgiven "to stop feeling anger toward or about something or someone"
This is God's response to our slip ups. When we ask for forgiveness, it stops His wrath against us. Bam. Gone. Forgotten.

Covered "to put something over in order to protect, hide or close it"
This is God's response to our sincere repentance. The blood of Jesus literally covers our sins to protect us from the consequence we truly deserve. Amen.

Not counted "not added together to be a total number"
This is God's great grace in response to our complete surrender. No matter how far down the slope we have allowed ourselves to slip, God's grace will not count it against us if we genuinely turn from our sinful ways and desire to become a new creation. Hallelujah!

Although my desire it to be Christ-like and not participate in any of those first three, I know I'm not perfect and will most certainly slip up. However, my challenge is to keep them in the transgression category and not let myself slide down that slope.

That's my opinion. I would encourage you to read all of Psalm 32 and make your own conclusions.