Heightened awareness of Sin

Godlovesmetwo

Fringe Catholic
Mar 16, 2016
10,398
7,257
Antwerp
✟17,860.00
Country
Djibouti
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
I did some pretty irresponsible things in my youth and early adult life. Things I am not proud of now. The thing is, at the time, I didn't think it was such a big deal. If you move in secular circles, a lot of things become pretty loose. Excitement and pleasure become your false Gods. And of course looking cool. (not that I really achieved "cool" anyway :) ) Just enjoy your life mate. No worries!
Now I've started to take God, Christianity and life after death more seriously. For over a year now. The more I work on my relationship with the divine, the more I realise how sinful I was. Am I becoming holier than thou? Too serious?
I try to have the same approach to myself as I should to others. That is, hate the sin and forgive the sinner. Still, as time goes by, those sins seem worse and worse. My awareness of those sins becomes heightened more and more.
I can see how some people go from one extreme to the other. Too sinful to too holy. I feel I have to watch I don't become an uptight prig.
 

Mrs.PGL

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Dec 12, 2015
439
271
windsor ontario
✟69,644.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I did some pretty irresponsible things in my youth and early adult life. Things I am not proud of now. The thing is, at the time, I didn't think it was such a big deal. If you move in secular circles, a lot of things become pretty loose. Excitement and pleasure become your false Gods. And of course looking cool. (not that I really achieved "cool" anyway :) ) Just enjoy your life mate. No worries!
Now I've started to take God, Christianity and life after death more seriously. For over a year now. The more I work on my relationship with the divine, the more I realise how sinful I was. Am I becoming holier than thou? Too serious?
I try to have the same approach to myself as I should to others. That is, hate the sin and forgive the sinner. Still, as time goes by, those sins seem worse and worse. My awareness of those sins becomes heightened more and more.
I can see how some people go from one extreme to the other. Too sinful to too holy. I feel I have to watch I don't become an uptight prig.
A good prayer:
Psalm 25
1Unto Thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2O my God, I trust in Thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed; let them be ashamed who transgress without cause. 4show me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. 5Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. 6Remember, O LORD, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, O LORD. 8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore will He teach sinners in the way. 9The meek will Heguide in justice {judgment}; and the meek will He teach His way. 10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. 11For Thy names sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. 12What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way thathe shall choose. 13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him; and He will show them His covenant. 15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 16Turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I amdesolate and afflicted. 17The troubles of my heart are enlarged; O bring Thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. 19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. 20O keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee. 21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee. 22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
 
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I did some pretty irresponsible things in my youth and early adult life. Things I am not proud of now. The thing is, at the time, I didn't think it was such a big deal. If you move in secular circles, a lot of things become pretty loose. Excitement and pleasure become your false Gods. And of course looking cool. (not that I really achieved "cool" anyway :) ) Just enjoy your life mate. No worries!
Now I've started to take God, Christianity and life after death more seriously. For over a year now. The more I work on my relationship with the divine, the more I realise how sinful I was. Am I becoming holier than thou? Too serious?
I try to have the same approach to myself as I should to others. That is, hate the sin and forgive the sinner. Still, as time goes by, those sins seem worse and worse. My awareness of those sins becomes heightened more and more.
I can see how some people go from one extreme to the other. Too sinful to too holy. I feel I have to watch I don't become an uptight prig.

Who is deciding you have sinned? Only yourself. We have no way to know your thoughts.
 
Upvote 0

Godlovesmetwo

Fringe Catholic
Mar 16, 2016
10,398
7,257
Antwerp
✟17,860.00
Country
Djibouti
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
Who is deciding you have sinned? Only yourself. We have no way to know your thoughts.
What? you mean you are curious to know the details?
Pass... :)
Are the details so important though? We are all sinful to varying degrees. We are all sinners.
 
Upvote 0

Hall

God is good
Jun 17, 2016
450
447
Colorado
✟30,346.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
It is a delicate balance to live in the world and at the same time not be part of it. And it is hard to love someone as a person and at the same time not love their sins. In my case, it was learning how to humble myself that made life easier in this fallen world, and to also remember that God had forgiven me when I was caught up in my sinful life, meaning I can do the same for others. So now when I see or talk to someone caught up in the world, I try to remember that it's the way I used to be and that there is a chance for everyone. You never know how someone's future will turn out. But I believe that learning how to humble ourselves is the key to not become a Holier than thou person. I'm not saying that you are because you don't seem like it from some of your posts I've read, but that is how I used to be, and yes I went through a Holier than thou phase lol.
 
Upvote 0

Godlovesmetwo

Fringe Catholic
Mar 16, 2016
10,398
7,257
Antwerp
✟17,860.00
Country
Djibouti
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
A good prayer:
Psalm 25
1Unto Thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2O my God, I trust in Thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed; let them be ashamed who transgress without cause. 4show me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. 5Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. 6Remember, O LORD, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, O LORD. 8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore will He teach sinners in the way. 9The meek will Heguide in justice {judgment}; and the meek will He teach His way. 10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. 11For Thy names sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. 12What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way thathe shall choose. 13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him; and He will show them His covenant. 15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 16Turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I amdesolate and afflicted. 17The troubles of my heart are enlarged; O bring Thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. 19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. 20O keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee. 21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee. 22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Thanks I'll bookmark Psalm 25.
I have been to confession. My sins have been absolved. So I should feel fully healed. And I do mostly. Just ......
 
Upvote 0

Godlovesmetwo

Fringe Catholic
Mar 16, 2016
10,398
7,257
Antwerp
✟17,860.00
Country
Djibouti
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
I'm not saying that you are because you don't seem like it from some of your posts I've read, but that is how I used to be, and yes I went through a Holier than thou phase lol.
Thanks. your post was helpful. I think we mature and grow. One of the stages we go through is the holier than thou phase, I agree. The Pharisee phase. As we get to know God better, we gradually lose that attitude, in my opinion. Otherwise, we need to suffer more to wake up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hall
Upvote 0

Kenny'sID

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Feb 28, 2016
18,185
7,001
69
USA
✟585,304.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Now I've started to take God, Christianity and life after death more seriously. For over a year now. The more I work on my relationship with the divine, the more I realise how sinful I was. Am I becoming holier than thou? Too serious?

Sounds like you getting on just as you should.

As to being holier than thou, no way, your holiness has nothing to do with anyone but you, and I doubt you see it as a contest, or do it to be better than the thous, but only to please God. However, as you probably know, someone will always be waiting to accuse us as that.
 
Upvote 0

SaintNick

Active Member
Jun 10, 2017
198
215
US
✟28,571.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
I've noticed that when you so much as declare you follow Christ you're immediately labeled as Holier than thou... and in truth you are... for they have denied him in their hearts. So either way you can't please them all, never could, never will. I walked into a gas station on the other day with a T-Shirt that read, "Jesus is my savior, not my religion." Some guy in there made the sound "Ahhhh" like an angel choir when I walked through I just smiled and ignored it.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Soyeong

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2015
12,416
4,600
Hudson
✟281,745.00
Country
United States
Faith
Messianic
Marital Status
Single
I did some pretty irresponsible things in my youth and early adult life. Things I am not proud of now. The thing is, at the time, I didn't think it was such a big deal. If you move in secular circles, a lot of things become pretty loose. Excitement and pleasure become your false Gods. And of course looking cool. (not that I really achieved "cool" anyway :) ) Just enjoy your life mate. No worries!
Now I've started to take God, Christianity and life after death more seriously. For over a year now. The more I work on my relationship with the divine, the more I realise how sinful I was. Am I becoming holier than thou? Too serious?
I try to have the same approach to myself as I should to others. That is, hate the sin and forgive the sinner. Still, as time goes by, those sins seem worse and worse. My awareness of those sins becomes heightened more and more.
I can see how some people go from one extreme to the other. Too sinful to too holy. I feel I have to watch I don't become an uptight prig.

I think becoming more aware of sin and how much it is afront to God is part of our sanctification as we are being made to be more like Christ. The Bible does not at all treat holiness as though it were something negative, but just the opposite, though pride another issue.
 
Upvote 0

Victory-N-Christ

God:Mighty -N-Power!!
Feb 25, 2017
582
393
46
Ga
✟39,955.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-Democrat
I did some pretty irresponsible things in my youth and early adult life. Things I am not proud of now. The thing is, at the time, I didn't think it was such a big deal. If you move in secular circles, a lot of things become pretty loose. Excitement and pleasure become your false Gods. And of course looking cool. (not that I really achieved "cool" anyway :) ) Just enjoy your life mate. No worries!
Now I've started to take God, Christianity and life after death more seriously. For over a year now. The more I work on my relationship with the divine, the more I realise how sinful I was. Am I becoming holier than thou? Too serious?
I try to have the same approach to myself as I should to others. That is, hate the sin and forgive the sinner. Still, as time goes by, those sins seem worse and worse. My awareness of those sins becomes heightened more and more.
I can see how some people go from one extreme to the other. Too sinful to too holy. I feel I have to watch I don't become an uptight prig.
Yeah. I know what you mean.I thought I was the HOLY HERO when I first got saved but eventually I found out that I'm just clay and will mess up sometimes and that there is no such thing as a HOLY HERO( a Christian who is perfect. Without sin or the capacity to mess up).It took some years to come down off my high horse and learn humility but thank God I did learn it eventually. At the same time I began to realize what "sin" was and became remorseful about my earlier sins to a point to where I honestly repented. That was a blessing.Amen.
 
Upvote 0

Kenny'sID

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Feb 28, 2016
18,185
7,001
69
USA
✟585,304.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Yeah. I know what you mean.I thought I was the HOLY HERO when I first got saved but eventually I found out that I'm just clay and will mess up sometimes and that there is no such thing as a HOLY HERO( a Christian who is perfect. Without sin or the capacity to mess up).It took some years to come down off my high horse and learn humility but thank God I did learn it eventually. At the same time I began to realize what "sin" was and became remorseful about my earlier sins to a point to where I honestly repented. That was a blessing.Amen.

That overzealousness at first seems to be common. All Churches should cover that in the the Salvation for Dummies pamphlet they give to all newbs. :)
 
Upvote 0

SaintNick

Active Member
Jun 10, 2017
198
215
US
✟28,571.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
The funny thing about doing works of good is that they're between only you and the Lord and not man.
Holy Hero sounds like a fitting name for me right now actually.
Call me special agent double H. :)
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Victory-N-Christ

God:Mighty -N-Power!!
Feb 25, 2017
582
393
46
Ga
✟39,955.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-Democrat
That overzealousness at first seems to be common. All Churches should cover that in the the Salvation for Dummies pamphlet they give to all newbs. :)
Yes. Something like that could teach a lot of babies in Christ how to deal with the overzealousness that some of us go through when we first receive salvation.Good idea..
 
Upvote 0

SpiritofaDove

Well-Known Member
Supporter
May 14, 2017
517
852
USA
✟75,740.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Private
I was about to ask you before your last post, is that really a bad thing that you now are aware of sin? I think that's a great sign for you. You are growing in Christ. You are gaining a stronger moral compass. You are actually seeking God and not wanting to follow the world. It's awesome you are more aware of right and wrong. That's just my opinion on it though.
 
Upvote 0

Godlovesmetwo

Fringe Catholic
Mar 16, 2016
10,398
7,257
Antwerp
✟17,860.00
Country
Djibouti
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
the overzealousness
Overzealousness in anything can be annoying though. Someone recommending a book or movie" "oh you gotta read or see it. It changed my life!"
 
Upvote 0

Victory-N-Christ

God:Mighty -N-Power!!
Feb 25, 2017
582
393
46
Ga
✟39,955.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-Democrat
I guess what I was trying to ask is:
"Is an increasing and heightened awareness of sin, a sign that I am becoming a better Christian, or a sign I am becoming too proud?'
Good question.I think it means you're becoming a better Christian.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Godlovesmetwo

Fringe Catholic
Mar 16, 2016
10,398
7,257
Antwerp
✟17,860.00
Country
Djibouti
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
I was about to ask you before your last post, is that really a bad thing that you now are aware of sin? I think that's a great sign for you. You are growing in Christ. You are gaining a stronger moral compass. You are actually seeking God and not wanting to follow the world. It's awesome you are more aware of right and wrong. That's just my opinion on it though.
Thanks for that, Minty I am feeling more clarity these days so something is working for sure. I do have a habit of second guessing myself, which I can turn into a positive here by being more wary of becoming too proud.
 
Upvote 0