Betraying Christ in the 21st Century

    Judas was in the 1st Century. He was a follower of Christ, yet he betrayed Christ, the one who could save his soul. Judas was more concerned with getting an advantage in life rather than being a servant. He lusted for financial authority but tried to cover it by saying to give it to the poor. Judas was a thief sometimes taking from the purse and keeping for himself. He was spiritually blind to the realm that something great had just happened.     Today, in the 21st Century, we too can harden our hearts while chasing after our lusts. Be it social reputation, power, authority, drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, porn, etc… we choose our self as our master instead of God. We take what isn't ours to take “glory” instead of giving it to the one whose right it is. That makes us a usurper and a thief.     There is an adage people use that goes like this “follow your heart”. Brothers' and sisters’, our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. Following your heart will lead you away from God.     Jesus said the someone who commits a sin is a servant to sin. He also said no one can serve two masters.     Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, John said if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.     As Christians, we have a directive to live holy lives, lives without fault, yet we are human. The sin that we find ourselves committing should show us the areas that still need to be taken captive by the Holy Spirit.