II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Christians can commit any sin you can name – and sometimes they do. We categorize sins and have a group of "bad" sins we think we would never do, such as adultery. But Jesus said that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Then there are the somewhat respectable sins (because everyone does them): the white lie, breaking the speed limit, gossiping, overeating, wasting time on the job and getting paid for it, disrespect for your boss or parents, or pastor, or others in authority. Just look at the lists of sins Christians are warned against in Galatians 5, Ephesians 5, and the whole book of James.
What about the sins of omission? Prayerlessness; Failing to study the Bible; Skipping church services; Refusing to serve actively in the church; Failing to witness; Coldness of heart; Lack of compassion toward those in need; Refusing to talk to some brother or sister in Christ; Refusing to ask for forgiveness. Every Christian needs to turn from the wickedness of these omissions.
One Bible Dictionary definition of wickedness includes these: The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality.
The world is full of wickedness. The sad thing is that many Christians, perhaps most, permit corrupt practices in their own life and think it is ok. Is it any wonder that God does not send revival to America?
God's prescription for revival in 21st century America is the same as in the Old Testament: Humble yourself, pray, seek my face, TURN FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS! The big question is, what will I and what will you do about this today?
Dale Buchanan is an ex-Baptist pastor and retired accountant who started his writing career a couple of years ago. He desires to honor the Lord with his writing, win the lost to Christ and encourage Christians to make Christ the pre-eminent person in their lives. Contact Dale research.djb@gmail.com
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