I Will Mock You!

Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor. Proverbs 14:9 (NKJV)


We are told in Proverbs about how a fool will mock at sin.  This use of the word, "mock" is referring to making fun of it, or scoffing at it - even laughing at sin.  So, in other words, when we sin we are actually mocking God's commands to act in a proper way.  So when we mock at sin, we are actually mocking God and His Word. 

The irony here is God's Word tells us clearly, God is not mocked.  

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)

This does not mean we cannot mock God, it simply means we will reap an investment from our mocking.  The word, "mock" used here in Galatians is translated from the Greek word,"mukterizo", mook-tay-rid´-zo, which means to ridicule or to turn up one's nose.  So it would be like one sneering or disrespecting God.  

We see people doing this everyday by their lifestyles or by their rejection of God's plan of salvation and for His way for them to live. But again, we can see clearly from the remaining portion of this passage of Scripture in Galatians 6:7, this person will in fact reap what they have sown.  We, even as Christians can be tempted to sin and willfully participate in sinful activity.  When this happens, God will allow the affects of our sin to be manifested in our lives. 

As Christians, we cannot knowingly sin and expect for there to be no consequences within our life - and one of those consequences is our sin mocking us.  After all, this is what the devil does - he is a thief, and as such, he attempts to steal our happiness and joy - knowing if he is successful he will destroy our Christian witness and even our very lives.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10:10 (NKJV)
When you think upon it, the effects of sin make up the landscape of those valleys of darkness we will all walk through (See Psalm 23).  But we must not submit to the temptation from Satan to quit walking in faith because of any of our past sins.  We must not lose our focus, because God is faithful to forgive us as we confess our sin and turn from it. 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

We must never write a blank check on God's amazing grace.  We need to lay down anything in our life we know to be sinful and repent of it.   God will forgive us and He will guide us through any valley we are faced with - even those we have brought upon ourselves because of our own actions.  

When Satan comes to tempt you through his mocking of your sin, I want to encourage you to remember the promises contained within God's Word for those times.  The Psalmist knew of these promises, and he spoke of his confidence in his LORD as a result of them.  Perhaps we should repeat what he concluded. 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD  Forever. Psalms 23 (NKJV)

I want to encourage you today to seek the Lord for His guidance, mercy and forgiveness.  I want to encourage you to trust in the One who loves you more than you can possibly know.  Don't let sin mock you and the Christian faith - let God empower you to walk in the freedom you have been given (See Rom. 6:1-7).

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to our sin, the enemy's intent, and God's provision?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you allowing the enemy to mock you?  Are you mocking God?  Are you willing to allow God to reveal to you the things you need to repent of?

APPLICATION: Lay down any habitual sin patterns you have.  Seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal these patterns to you within your mind.  Seek to be obedient to God's Word.