As church-going “Christians,” we normally do not intentionally, with pre-meditation sin against our neighbor. By that I mean we do not consider our actions as sinful. We have justified our actions to ourselves and even to others. We have selected a few Bible verses to back our agenda. We have solicited the support of others. We have convinced ourselves that we are right in what we are going to do! Then we proceed to slander, gossip, plot and scheme, tear down, get even, “teach him a lesson,” etc., etc.

Immediately red flags begin to appear all around us. Suddenly we hear from other believers who disagree with our actions. Surprisingly we observe how damaging our actions have been to everyone involved. Eventually other Bible passages catch our attention that “seem” to indicate that our actions were wrong.

At this point, one of two actions is taken, each one being truly revealing. We repent and seek reconciliation for wrongs done or we continue to explain away our behavior and justify ourselves. When the question mark of sin appears in our hearts, we acknowledge it, ignore it, or vehemently oppose it. Herein lies the danger.

When sin is fresh, the call for repentance is plain and clear. That’s why we are working so hard to cover it. It is constantly before us. As time passes by though, the urging of repentance begins to wane. Things slowly get back to “normal.” Life eventually picks back up the pace. We move on to other people, places, and things. The red flags begin to be fewer. Conviction comes less frequently. The elapsing of long periods of time has not removed the sin or our need to repent and reconcile, but it has coated it to such a degree that it becomes barely noticeable.

The further we are removed from our sin, the easier it becomes to deny it. “Out of sight, out of mind” takes place. The danger is that though it may be out of mind, it is not out of heart! It may be covered. It may be hidden. However, until repentance and reconciliation occur, it is there.

Let us not be deceived. Justified sin will not just sit in the corner of our hearts and mind his own business! He will welcome with open arms the next sin that enters our hearts. He will instruct his friend how to take root and remain in our hearts as well. Then the two become three and on and on until one can sin against his brother without even blinking an eye. Sin is always easy; repentance is always difficult!

Since we are ongoing sinners, ongoing repentance is a given for believers. It is indeed a sign of true faith. Burying sin in the shallow graves of our hearts does not pronounce it dead but rather very much alive!