Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Galatians 6:1 – Rationalizations
Rationalizations
The alarm shrilly and rudely awakes you from blissful slumber. What time it is doesn’t matter. More sleep, not a cold bowl of cereal, is what you crave. Your mind, creatively sharp, invents excuse…er, I mean…reason after multiplying reason for staying under those cozy covers. Self-consoled, you hit the snooze alarm.
Minutes later, several more than planned, the alarm shrilly and rudely awakes you from blissful slumber. What time it is does matter. More sleep, although earlier wanted, becomes the disdain of your morning. You chastise yourself (again). How could you have listened to such mind-babbling (again)! Jumping out of bed, you promise (yet again) to remove that alarm – and it’s serenading siren voice snooze alarm – to the other side of the room.
The next morning, the alarm shrilly and rudely awakes you from blissful slumber. What time it is doesn’t matter. Your mind, creatively sharp, invents….Yes, here we go again.
While no one would argue oversleeping is sinful, let alone the benign rationalizations done producing such silliness, this parallel should help us understand ourselves and others as we all are overcome by sin. We must never forget how easily sin entices us. No, we shouldn’t excuse sin, but neither should we be hypocritical in self-righteousness.
How can a man rationalize marital unfaithfulness? “she doesn’t understand me;” “she doesn’t appeal to me anymore, and didn’t God make me this way?” etc. ad naseum.
How can a young woman rationalize abusing her body with drugs and alcohol? “I need just one more to get me through this;” “I can quit anytime I want;” etc. ad naseum.
How can the child of God rationalize forsaking the assembling, or missing several services? “I’ve got a family to care for;” “I need some time for myself;” “my children never behave;” etc. again, sadly ad naseum.
Eve rationalized (Gen.3) as did Saul (1 Sam.15). Countless and faceless are the legions of people guilty of seducing themselves. Remember James’ warning: But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (Jms.1:14)
“Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Gal.6:1)
Comments