Don't coddle your pets anymore!

It is just wrong and even deadly to coddle your "pets". Coddle means to pamper or to treat gently. Oh! I'm not talking about your cat or dog. The Lord knows that my little dogs are like family and I can't quit "coddling" them sometimes...kissie, kissie! I'm talking about "pet" sins. To name a few: unforgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15), sensuality and being divisive (Jude 19), jealous and selfishly-ambitious (James 3:16), stressful and anxious (Phil. 4:6), anger, rage, bad feelings towards others, lying (Col. 3:8), doubt or unbelief (Rom. 14:23). These are less obvious or more acceptable sins that we give a "cushie" spot to in our lives. I think that it is because most people think these sins are weaknesses and can't be helped. Some of us feel that we have a right to these behaviors and vices. I submit to you that many "Christians" don't even realize the Bible speaks about what happens when we don't deal with these types of sins. Ignorance can kill you and I'm here to tell you today that if we know better, and do better, THEN our life will be better! The first step to victory is acknowledging this fact: we all sin (Rom. 3:23), The second is that sin produces death (Rom. 6:23). Third, Jesus became sin for us in His death on the cross and cleanses us from ALL sin when we repent or stop the sin (2 Cor. 5:21; 1Jn 1:7-10; 2 Cor. 12:20-21; Rom. 6:12-14). Sin is in the world and we are not yet perfect. Therefore, we can and must rule over sin. Heb. 12 says that we must resist sin (even to the point of the shedding of our blood if necessary); throw off every distraction and sin that so easily entangles us; be steady and persistent; always looking to Jesus, Who is the author and finisher of our faith, Who endured grievious opposition and bitter hostility; SO THAT, we will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12 is full of motivation to leave sin behind. Deal with it and go for the gold! We can and must be overcomers! In 1 Jn 5:4 we see that one who is born of God overcomes the world (sin in the world). Are you born of God? Then you should and will have to overcome the world. (Please read Rev. 21). Don't coddle your pet sins anymore, but get them out of your life. Not only will you experience a blessed life now, but you will rejoice when you see Him in His glory as you enter into His heavenly kingdom!