The Progressive Nature of Sin

Good morning! Ms. Beth (Moore) got my day started in a BIG way today! She challenged me to look at the progressive nature of sin in my life. Our study of passage came from 2 Samuel 11 - the story of King David and Bathsheba. It's a story that's very well-known to most people, but I challenge you to read it again with the following information in mind. She points out that, just like King David, we too could be persons of character and integrity, but consciously destroy our ministries and ourselves through the choice to gratify our sudden lusts. There are 3 progressive areas of sin.

1. Sin in thought. The seed of sin is first sown in our minds. David first saw Bathsheba, concluded she was beautiful, then allowed his sight to turn into desire.
2. Sin in word. If we do not confess and repent the sin of the mind, it virtually always gives birth to the next stage. The meditation of David's mind turned into the conversations of his mouth. (WHOA!). God knows our meditations will ultimately turn into conversations. That's why He tells us to meditate on Him and His Word! (this one hit hard with me!).
3. Sin in deed. David flirted with temptation (adultery) in thought and word, which led him into acting on his sinful desires.

Now that we're aware of the 3 progressive areas of sin, I can also encourage you by sharing the 3 scriptures we should memorize and chant back to God as a means of our daily confessions.

1. Regarding thoughts: "Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
2. Regarding words: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
3. Regarding deeds: "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart." Psalm 15:1-2

I don't know about you, but I am greatly encouraged and challenged by these verses. This has certainly become a model for my prayer life. I think it's safe to assume that if we pray these verses back to God each day, not only will it hold us accountable, but it will motivate us to live a more pure and righteous life in the eyes of God.