Do you resent sin?
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this self same thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:10,11)
The born again experience, those initial moments as a new Christian is a refreshing time. You feel so special, loved, and find your spirit, soul and body in perfect peace. A weight is lifted off, you know you aren't a weary soul anymore. The chains are gone, you are set free!
The Old Testament is replete with verses about the indignation of the Lord against the enemies of Israel. How God destroyed them completely. These enemies in the New Testament ministry represent evil forces that attack us mentally and emotionally or spiritually (Ephesians 6:12). We need to have an anger and hatred against such evil spirits and sinful acts that are manifesting in the world today.
What is the indignation for?
As believers we have been exposed to a beauty that is impossible for us to comprehend, to state a few; The beauty of God's holiness, the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, the power of resurrection that raised Jesus from the dead, the peace that passeth all understanding, the glorious hope of His coming and an eternity with Him, etc.
What's the point of it all, if we aren't living a life filled with the love of God?
After being exposed to all that in Christ, can we sit still anymore? What is the believer called to do?
God has called us to be intercessors, for what? To pray fervently for what's going on today.
What is really happening today? 2 Timothy 3:1-5 lists out for us the true state of the world.
- men shall be lovers of their own selves,
- covetous,
- boasters,
- proud,
- blasphemers,
- disobedient to parents,
- unthankful,
- unholy,
- Without natural affection,
- trucebreakers,
- false accusers,
- incontinent,
- fierce,
- despisers of those that are good,
- Traitors,
- heady,
- highminded,
- lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
- Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof
When we sorrow after a Godly sort as believers, as those who have been gifted the salvation experience, we need to be found manifesting Godly conduct. It's nice to be good, but best to be Godly. Our anger should be directed against sin and not people. Against the powers of darkness, seeking God for help in prayer and supplication, in intercession and thanksgiving for all.
As we claim the unmerited favour of God in our lives, let us also be found walking in obedience to God's word. Let not the natures of these last days be found in us. Rather be found drawing people away from these natures by the power of prayer and an exemplary lifestyle.