Plans to Edit My "Repentance Process" Post

Dear Faithful Readers,

I recently posted a piece of written work on the Repentance Process. After having read through it several times in the last few days, I have decided to edit the piece of written work to include another two steps. My reasoning behind this is because so called "small sins" can lead something to a person committing "bigger sins". In my mind, no sin is a "small sin" simply for the very reason that calling any kind of sin "small" or insignificant is in fact rationalizing or justifying the sin which was committed. This in turn can lead to other sins, more serious sins with more eternal ramifications to being committed. By adding two more steps to the Repentance Process, it will contain twelve steps. I am not trying to be disrespectful to those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol or any other form of addictive substances or behaviors, but simply trying to show that sin is an addiction. From the Fall of Adam, we are all in a fallen state. It is important to understand just how addictive sin really is. The production, sale, and use of legal drugs is against the law. When a person produces, sells, or uses legal drugs, they are breaking the law. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law, so when a person does such things, they are breaking the law. Still if we go back to the time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, we find that all of us at some point are guilty of breaking one of the laws of God. The law we may have broken may not be murder, but we may be guilty of coveting the things another person owns or being disrespectful towards our parents. Then when Christ came, He stated that it was written "thou shalt not commit adultery." Then He gave an even higher law, when in Matthew 5:27-28 he stated,
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

The laws of God are the highest laws of the land, regardless of the laws made by those who hold office and have the power to create or abolish laws. If we look at the laws of God as a way to protect ourselves from committing sin, we can allow ourselves to be better protected from the fiery darts of the Adversary. When we start to rationalize or justify our reasons for committing sin, even if it is to tell a little white lie, we are opening ourselves up to be more easily tempted and persuaded to committing other sins. Men, when a woman asks the question, "does this dress (or article of clothing) make me look fat," it is best to be honest and tell her the truth. Women, if you're going to ask a man the question, "does this dress (or other article of clothing) make me look fat," you cannot be angry with him when he tells you the truth. Honesty is important, but if a person fears being honest will have negative consequences, they have reason to tell a little white lie. But how much more hurt will we be when we find out that we were told a little white lie...Infinitely more hurt than it we were told the truth in the beginning. We need to be honest in our dealings with our fellow men and women. So because we are all in a fallen state, because none of us is perfect, and because we are bound to make mistakes or commit sin, I feel it is necessary to edit my previous post on the Repentance Process to include two more steps. Life is not going to be easy, but we can do things to make it easier. Understanding this is a key factor in turning away from sin.

Until Next Time,

Amanda