When Sin is Beautiful

Is sin ever good? The short answer is no. Though God certainly allows sin and uses people’s sin for our good at times. Sin may not be good, but, seeing our sin is beautiful.

You really don't have to teach sin. My youngest, Caleb happily went back and back to pull on our blinds (as I would say "no." and move him away) as soon as he could roll on the floor. Jimmy used to run away when we’d say come and went through a painful few months of defiantly coming out of his room well after we had put him to bed for the night over and over again. 

One thing I really love about sin being exposed so easily in Jimmy is how it gives him a chance to see it. Though I don't remember anyone teaching me that I was good, I grew up actually believing I deserved love and was good (oh my). As we discipline Jimmy when we see these sin snares he runs to, he sees over and over again how he can't measure up. But it doesn't end there with him not measuring up. That's the beauty of the gospel applied to our lives... It reveals how sinful and undeserving we are, but also how gracious and loving a God we have who has come to save us.

We’ve had a couple conversations in the midst of correction where he actually said, “I am always bad. Mommy. Why can’t I just obey?” Through tears at times I have lovingly shared with him that only One is good. Only Jesus. And that the depth of Jesus' love for His own is shown by his death for us while we still hated him. He has not left us in our sin, but instead promises forgiveness and life forever for those who are His. Simply because we are His. Not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. What a beautiful truth to see because sin is exposed.

Another thing I love (and hate at times) about our boys’ sin as it comes out is what it draws out in us. I’m amazed at how embarrassed I get when they do anything wrong in public, or the anger that boils up when either of them says unkind things to me. It provides (sometimes painful) opportunities for me to see my sin (which I try to hide) as it comes out and go back to the gospel and remember how I need a Savior and how Jesus has fully covered my sin and makes me new. I need to go back and back to remember. My kids help me daily.

So I see Jimmy’s sin as a teachable moment for us both.  His sin exposes my sinful pride. And when Jimmy sees how he sins again and again, it provides an opportunity for him to hear the gospel and for it to take root in his heart.  So sin isn’t good, but seeing our sin and turning from it to Christ is beautiful.

Comments

Nicole said…
oh, I feel you, Gin! I recognize a need to confess my own sin in how I respond to Micah when he makes bad choices - especially the same sin over and over! I ask him to use his nice voice, when I myself am using an angry tone with him! it's so easy to respond impatiently, but God can give us the grace to be patient and loving and wise in our response. I pray that I would remember to ask for that!
February 3, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Making the Most said…
thankful I'm not alone. Kids are such a major glimpse into our own hearts. I'm so very thankful for that measuring stick in my life. And thanks for the reminder that He gives us grace to love like Him. He is so good. I'll pray for you in it too, friend:)
February 4, 2011 at 12:55 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Fallen Idol- one man's sin exposed my own

CJ Mahaney steps down as SGM President... I'm still midprocess, but wanted to share thoughts on what God is teaching me. This week, I read that the President of our family of churches was voluntarily stepping down for a season of discipline and restoration because of sins of pride, sinful judgement, lack of submission to accountability, and even spiritual blackmail. We were assured this has been a year and 1/2 long process and he had already been restored to many he had wounded in his sin, but is stepping down to help healing personally and in Sovereign Grace Ministries as a whole. One (godly) man compiled 600 pages of documents of accusations and emails that he sent to CJ and that were posted online. I read through much of it as I grieved and wondered what this means for the church we've loved these past 6 months and our family. Andy and I prayed. I cried. And then I poured over websites of hurt former members and the official documents. They were written personally to ...
Read more

When Homeschool is all over the home

Image
I was ready to give up. I began thinking maybe I should just expect to eat at a table covered in math manipulatives and maps. Over a period of time and in a variety of ways, God lead us to homeschool our boys years ago. I've come to adore homeschooling my kids (most days), but we've never been able to make a "homeschool room" work for us. We somehow wind up on the living room couch or at the kitchen table. Every day. Learning about atoms and molecules Reviewing Latin Oh how the math manipulatives take over the table.  Are you getting the point that we use this room a lot? I remember reading that God has made everything beautiful in his time and thinking that I LOVE that HE's made beautiful things and places and people. It's a cool reflection of Him. I really enjoy pretty spaces in people's homes. It feels welcoming to me. I'm fine with toys everywhere, but I also love welcoming others to a peaceful, homey space. So I began wondering if...
Read more

Because I Forget...

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.   Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”- Ephesians 5:15-17 I’m starting this blog to hold me accountable to live in a way that glorifies God and to encourage other young women and moms who are daily striving to seek Christ alone and make the most of every opportunity to know Him more and make Him known. In my posts I’ll share ways our family looks for the “gospel reminders” in our daily lives and traditions. I need this because I forget. I wander daily away from the truth that I need Christ and I’m not self-sufficient. I forget how much He loves me and offers forgiveness and grace because of His love for me. This is about my journey to know Him more and how I see the gospel in fresh ways and teach it to my children through traditions and daily life. Truly Christ is the center and central theme of the Bible, in my personal...
Read more