Expert: Carl Fuglein - 8/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: When I was 14 or 15 I made A LOT of silly promises to God. I wasnt a true christian as I am now, and I dont think I realized the signifigance of making/breaking these promises. I made them because I thought that they would clear up a sin or something I did I thought was wrong. I never thought much of these promises until recently. Soemthing happened where I realized I was going to and deserved to go to Hell if i did not change. I have tried to change and asked God for a clean slate, but I keep breaking these promises on accident! I promised him things like, I wouldnt watch TV anymore and I wouldnt listen to certain radio stations anymore. I know, I look back and think I was so crazy, why would I do that! There are TVs all over the place that I accidentally look at and when Im in the car or out of the house someone will play that radio station. After asking him for a fresh start I made even more promises like how I would be a good christian and go to church every sunday. My mom wont take me to church. I listen to it on the radio but still, I continue sinning and breaking promises to God atleast 4-5 times daily. I dont know what to do anymore. I feel like I cannot live a normal life anymore. I keep dissapointing God over and over and keep asking for forgiveness but I cant seem to stop breaking these promises. Its like I am trying to start a new life with God but instead mistakes from my past are keeeping me from doing it. I am so scared I will go to hell. I believe that Jesus has saved his believers, but what if all of my sinning keeps me from being a believer in Jesus. I dont know what to do! please help me!!!! I asked God to forgive me from making those foolish promises, told himi would probably break them a lot on accident and told him i dont think i would ever break them on purpose. My constant sinning pushes me away from Jesus, and I dont want that to happen.

ANSWER: Jill-

Thanks for writing.  I don't have time for a complete answer, but I did want you to know that God loves you and sees in your heart.  If, in your heart you make all those promises and then break them accidently, God knows and forgives you.

I'll give you a more complete answer in a couple days.  Hang in there.  God Loves YOU!



blessings,
carl

Jill-

I don't think God is all that interested in your promises, I think what He is most interested in your actions in that you remain pure amd live a life that honors him.  Watching TV is not a sin.  God wants you to be happy, and if watching TV makes you happy, then do so.  I imagine a lot of those other little things that you're talking about aren't really sins, either.  Go to church when you can, go to youth group if your church has one and learn more about what kind of life honors God.

As for your sinning, you're just human.  All of us sin, every day.  I know I do.  Just keep trying, and eventually, you will sin less.

Please know that God loves you and knows that you're trying.  Please try not to be so concerned about all the sinning, and concentrate on what honors God.

Blessings,

Carl


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the answer, im sorry to bother you again. You said you dont think he is interested in my promises, but if i was just to take them all back dont you think he would be angry. I mean, I would love to start my life fresh and not have to constantly worry about my promises, but i feel that now that i have made them, i cant go back. I know watching tv is not a sin, but now that ive promised him i wont do it, it is right? i dont really know im just curious of what to do because my sinning makes me feel bad and pushes me away from God. I wish i could get rid of all my foolish promises!

Answer
Jill-

God will forgive you of your sin, no matterwhat.  He will forgive you of your prmises, too.  God doesn't want you to keep a list of promises, or a list of sins - He doesn't do that.  God is interested in your living your life focused on Him.  Ask Him to forgive you and release you from all your past and future sins - He will do that, then you can concentrate on Him.

Blessings,

Carl