[442 words]
In no way would I ever claim to be a prophet, psychic, or prognosticator. But I can tell you what your worst sin is. Now, I know you’re wondering how I know. Has someone told me that they saw you doing it? No. Have I been looking in your windows at night or following you with notebook in hand recording all that you do? Of course not. And yet I still know the very worst sin you have in your life at this very moment.
Your worst sin is the one for which you will not repent. Our worst sins can become our worst enemy in that they will keep us out of heaven (cf. Luke 13:3). John mentions that there is a sin that leads to death (1 John 5:16). This is any sin that one is living in that one is not willing to give up for Christ. By living unrepentantly in known sin, we crucify Christ all over again and, in that state, it is impossible for us to be saved (Heb. 6:6; 10:26-27).
But God wants us to come to repentance and be saved (2 Pet 3:9). He wants us to be sorrowful over our sins and to truly repent (have a change of heart) concerning them (2 Cor. 7:10). For in repenting and being baptized, all past sins are washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then, in faithfully walking the Christian life, and continually living a repentant lifestyle, Jesus’ blood continues to cleanse us (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7-9).
Even though washed in the blood of the Lamb and even though having some noble qualities as followers of Christ, the Christians at the church at Ephesus still needed to repent. Jesus sent word to them “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…” (Rev. 2:5). The message rings true for us today: repent and do the first works.
Here’s another important thing to note: Your best friend can take care of your worst sin. Jesus is your best friend (cf. Pro. 18:24; John 15:13), and He is the only one who can remove all your sins (Eph. 1:7; 1 John 1:9). Take a turn for the better by turning away from sin and turning your life over to Him, and He will turn your worst sin into something that is harmless and unreachable (1 John 3:5; Micah 7:19).
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY