How are we affected by sin?
By Sara Bailey
The first time I heard the term “glass ceiling” I honestly thought that would be a gorgeous addition to a house. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to look up and see the blue sky or to watch the rain come down during a storm? My logic quickly changed when the term was explained to me.
A glass ceiling is a limit, typically not discussed or acknowledged, that keeps a person from a better position, placement, or promotion. While glass ceilings are often times applied to professional situations, I found this concept to be one that applied to my spiritual life as well.
Sin separates me from a full relationship with the Lord, the best place to be. Whether I realize it or not, when I sin a glass ceiling has come between us. My direct access to Him has just been blocked. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
I would love to say that I realize this barrier right away, but sometimes I do not catch it. Other times I choose to ignore it. Much like trying to talk to a friend on the other side of a glass door where I can still see her and sometimes make out a word or two in conversation, I may still see the Lord moving and occasionally may still hear Him speak to me, but the close relationship is no longer possible.
The separation between the Lord and me sometimes becomes an inconvenience with which I choose to live. I do not realize the separation my sin creates or that I am worthy enough to have it removed. However, the Lord’s heart is to have all walk closely with Him-no barriers.
The longer I fail to address the separation the greater it grows. The thickness of the glass increases, and buildup grows on its surface. Soap scum of the world cannot compete with the spiritual scum of unaddressed sin. With each layer, darkness claims more and more territory as the buildup effectively blocks the Light.
So, where is the hope when it comes to sin? What am I supposed to do? Do I have to live in growing darkness forever?
At this, a collage of cleaning supply commercials runs through my mind: Mr. Clean, Scrubbing Bubbles, and so on. All of these proclaim effective cleaning abilities and promise shiny white surfaces with a sparkling finishing touch. However, some buildup leaves residue that cannot be removed no matter the cleaning product used.
Not so with Jesus. The moment I cry out to Him for help and turn from the things I am doing that create that barrier He not only removes the buildup so I can see with a sparkling clarity, He removes the barrier. 1 John 1:9 states “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.”
The sin based glass ceiling is gone, and I can once again walk with Jesus. This does not always mean that the consequences of my sin are gone, but my relationship with Jesus is restored. What a restoration that is!
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10. I am repeatedly learning that God’s abundant life looks much different than what I expect to see, but it never fails to be beyond what I can ask or imagine. Over and over, I ask the Lord to remove the barrier and help me turn from the things that cause it to be there. Over and over, I seek to say yes to Jesus. Over and over, I surrender and exchange my plans for His. Over and over, I am amazed at the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord.
I have come to the realization that I don’t want a glass ceiling in my house or in my relationship with Jesus. No more standing inside and marveling at the blue sky or only listening to the rhythm of the rain; no more barriers. Gone are the days of limiting my senses. Now I feel the warmth of the sun on my face and hear the birds’ song as I drink in the expanse of blue above me. Each droplet of rain brings cool refreshment. Like a child I stare to heaven and open my mouth, longing for the pure taste. I spin with arms open wide and match my laughter with the beat of the rain as it dances around me.
Gorgeous has been redefined; beauty has been transformed. I am free in Jesus.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
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Do you believe there is something more to your life beyond your normal experience? That this "something more" is spiritual?