I grew up in a home where the sin of my parents  hovered over me through their guilt and shame. My mother drilled me not to commit the same sin as she had.  It was a very oppressive environment to live in.

What effect did this have on me?

That is the sin which has been my greatest downfall. I struggle daily in that arena to constantly surrender that part of my heart to God.

I have been praying, as of late,  that God would show me the places of my heart which need the cleansing of Jesus’ blood. Asking Him to lay me wide open for His work within my heart.

God has awakened my memory to a definition of sin which caught my attention some time ago.

The definition said that sin was translated as an act which could cause you to “miss the mark.”

So think of life as a dart board. Each action, thought, and word you say is a dart. The more you sin the farther you stray from the target that God desires for your life.

I do believe that the only way to achieve the most out of life is to walk in accordance with God’s word. Seeking to please Him above all others.

I used to think that if I sinned I hurt God. I do not doubt that our constant sinning breaks His heart but it doesn’t break His heart because it affects Him. It breaks His heart because it weakens us, dilutes our purpose and causes us great turmoil because of the consequences of sin.

So a life lived in obedience to God can propel us to the target which He has set before us.

If we keep our eye on the target and seek His kingdom first and His righteousness, then He promises to provide everything else.

So this idea of sin appears to be more about a Father that loves us than one who wants to condemn us.

What are your thoughts on sin?