There is an odd illusion people seem to have that somehow, over time, the seriousness of committed sin diminishes. An offense against God can bring an overwhelming and immediate sense of wrongdoing leading to righteous conviction. This, I would suggest, is how we ought to always feel as depraved men in the presence of a Holy God. Repelled as Peter was on that beach the day he met Jesus. Compelled as John was to run to the empty tomb. The shame that one distinguishes at the moment of an offense is appropriate and should lead to confession and repentance as the Holy Spirit searches and identifies those thoughts, words and actions in which we have come short of the glory of God.
Yet somehow, contrary to the direction of the Word of God, we linger in our shame...believing (for the moment) the lie of the enemy that we are unworthy of such a thing as God's abounding and liberal grace. So we hesitate, as we "deal" with thoughts of hypocrisy..."How can I do what I just did, and then turn right to God and seek His forgiveness through my confession? Too easy...too convenient. I will wait until somehow time passes and the sin becomes "forgivable"." We may wait for days, weeks, months or even years, thinking all the while that the weight of our sin is decreasing with each passing moment. Later in life, we can look back at our foolish ways and even chuckle at "wild" days gone by.
Do we not see clearly that God is not restricted by time, and that our offense is constantly before Him? All moments are eternally present to the Almighty, and never will our sin be minimized by minutes gone. He sees you forever in unconfessed sin. Now is the time to acknowledge the offense and agree with God that it is what it is...deplorable.
What is this within us that causes hesitation? Time does nothing to alleviate the guilt of our sin. Only the blood of Jesus Christ that is available to us through the cross of Jesus Christ can atone for our offense. I say this not to invoke "Amens" from the reader, but rather soberness within the heart. Be leveled by the price of your forgiveness and humbled by the empty tomb that reminds you that you have been made alive by the resurrection of our Savior!
I suppose this post could be summed up in two simple words..."repent immediately". There is no time like the present. Confess...expose...let go. Do not believe the lie that somehow a moment passed into the past causes your sin to do the same. The kindness of God is our hope of redemption and it leads us to turn from the sin that is so prevalent in our lives. You do not have to stay where you are and manage your guilt. Rest in the truth that the Father has done the work through His Son Jesus Christ. Join the song of the redeemed right now...and sing it at the top of your lungs...I AM FREE!!!