Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4

 Back in the early part of my career as a park ranger, one of the older rangers I worked with was a retired Alabama State Trooper. He perfectly fit the mold of a State Trooper. Although his park ranger uniform differed from his Trooper uniform, he wore it proudly and that “smokey bear” hat was the perfect fit. He shared with me a story about a trip he took from his home down to Florida for business. He hated the long drive, so he sped up to 90 mph to get there. Yes, he was in a State Trooper car, but he felt privileged because of his law enforcement status. Was he breaking the law by driving so fast? Yes! Thankfully he didn’t get in a wreck, or injure someone else by his dangerous driving.

 As a child of God, do you feel privileged to sin? The blood of Jesus Christ covers your sins: past, present, and future, but does His blood cover those purposeful acts you know are not right in the eyes of God? Today’s verse in 1 John 3:4 says that whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. Just like that state trooper breaking the speed limit, you are just as wrong in your belief that you can live in purposeful sin without angering God.

 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 1 John 3:6

 Verse 6 digs deep in conviction, and it should. If you truly knew Jesus Christ in what He did on Calvary’s cross to save you, your intentions to avoid sin at all cost would resonate in and through your life. 1 John 3:5 says: And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. If Jesus Christ came to take away the sin of mankind, then how can you feel comfortable continuing in deliberate sin? Think about it!

 There is no free pass to detour from Godly obedience! If you find yourself in this category, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your position in Jesus Christ and come to the realization that you need to completely repent and receive all of Him in every area of your life. Once you truly come to Christ and receive His free gift of salvation, you’ll have the power to overcome any temptation.

 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4