Sin By Proxy

As people sometimes we offend other people.Sometimes it's unintentionally, other times we know what will offend and do it anyway. The sad thing is, I did that with my family today at a gathering. It wasn't something immoral or anything like that, it was something different. All of my family likes coffee, with me being the exception of course. They stopped and picked us their beverages of choice: semi-fancy coffees. Later, I wanted an energy drink and they end up being beverage the police and all refuted efforts to buy one. We moved and to our early Christmas gathering. And after a while I walked to the store and got one anyway. I know with all the press lately, sweet drinks might be done and they are quickly becoming frowned on with a growing following. I might have to resort to coffee and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, not to mention the heartburn. I might as well go back to water!

*** side note. I shouldn't probably say or write this or even think this, but it’s obvious as the nose on our face: caffeine is the Christian drug of choice. I’m semi-joking, but it keeps us awake if our pastor hits a dry spot in the sermon (of course mine never does).

That energy drink offended my whole family! “What happened to loving your wife Gordon? What happened to submitting one to another?” My conscience roars, in verses no less! My little drink caused me to sin against my family and by proxy, God. Then I had to remember we as believers know Christ forgives our sin as we confess our sin (1 John 1:9). And, we know He forgives us as we forgive each other (Luke 6:37). But hurting our Fathers kids will eat us alive and we forget how much so! Why do I do this! Do I, ^“… show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”

Romans 2:4 NIV

Have you ever heard the phrase “killing with kindness?” That is what our Father’s love does through Christ. And His expectation is that we will get it one day, just read the “love chapter” 1 Corinthians 13. I’d better say no more. This preaching at me’s getting heavy!