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Staying Alert To The Sins Of The Spirit

The apostle Paul tells that we are to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Even though it may seem to people around us that we are living a clean moral life, within our spirit we may be harboring an attitude that displeases the Lord. Because sins of the spirit are unseen, hidden in the heart (Matthew 15:15-20), we tend to ignore them until they lead to some outward behavior that reveals their presence.

King David’s life clearly illustrates these two aspects of sin. His lust for Bathsheba (“flesh”) led to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11-12) and brought great pain to his own life and reproach to the nation of Israel. Then, late in his life, he succumbed to Satan’s prompting to take a census (1 Chronicles 21:1-6). This seemingly innocent act displeased God (1 Chronicles 21:7-8) because David was taking pride (“spirit”) in his military might. He apparently made a complete 180 degree change from complete reliance on God, who had often miraculously delivered him, to trusting in his own power and strength.

As Christians, we must always be alert to the sins of the spirit – especially pride (Proverbs 16:18). They can cause us to stumble and fall, even at the end of life’s journey.