Shades of Grey

Anita Delene Manthe
Aug 28, 2016
2 min read

Shades of grey do not work when we are struggling with sin. Whether it be a full-blown sin issue, or whether the unacted upon sin is lingering in our thoughts. To overcome our struggles we need to call it what it is, and deal with it. Not defining it as sin provides an environment where we will look to justify, deny or hide it. This is a very dangerous place to be!

Shadows are great places in which to hide.

However, light provides clarity. It divides, producing clear lines between black and white. This is the kind of clarity needed when working through sin issues.

We must call sin what it is.

We cannot allow for shading the reality of our sin to placate our guilt. This kind of accountability is counter cultural; it can only be achieved when God is feared above man. When we chose to live for Him, and His glory.

Two translations of Romans 12:2 bring us to a more complete understanding of the reason we need to separate form cultural thoughts.

Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. (JB Phillips)
Do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. (Amplified)

Maturity, our sanctification is the plan the Lord has for us. We are to carefully examine our reasons for sin so that we may grow in grace. Consider the following verses to conform your thoughts to His will for you, to the necessity of enlightening your thoughts with Truth.

Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)
Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:129-130)
After you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, (Hebrews 10:32)