Psalm 44:18 English Standard Version (ESV) Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way;

We are free in Christ. We can choose to sin. When we do, we have turned our backs to Christ like a defiant child who says, “I’m not listening.” When we do we are not walking in His will. Any way you look at it the same result will surface itself. We are hurting ourselves by hurting the relationship.

Some choose to sin and say I am already forgiven. That sounds like hammering a nail in His hands or feet. Perhaps it is piercing His side. Maybe that image will make us stop and think about what we are about to do when tempted.

When we belong to Him the consequences of sin will always bring us to repentance. If it does not happen right away, the chastening will only get worse. He chastens those He loves. The only question left for the defiant child is how many stripes will it take to cause you to turn?

Blaming the One who chastens doesn’t work. We make wrong choices and we have to own up to the fact that we made those choices by free will. He does not remove free will because love has to be a choice.

Romans 6:12 English Standard Version (ESV) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

We serve who we obey.

What does it take to not be one of those defiant children?