Insidious Sin: Sin We Never Thought Was Sin

I want to preface this article by saying that the Holy Spirit hit me hard over the head in the past few days about insidious sin. We normally watch Christian TV or YouTubes that teach about Scripture and prophecy; however, my husband and I began watching re-runs of The Celebrity Apprentice. After a short time, God spoke to me loud and clear that this is sin. The series glorifies money, power, and idolatry… so, what else could it be?

As we travel on the holy road of recovery, we often define sin by what we’ve overcome… addictions, reckless choices, the wreckage we left behind. We rejoice in those victories, as we should; however, what if sin isn’t just the obvious failures? What if it’s anything – anything at all that doesn’t glorify God? That shift changes everything. It means the insidious sins, the ones we never thought were even sin, might be hiding in our everyday lives, slowly and quietly pulling us away from Jesus. As always, we’re going to be Bereans and let God’s Word uncover these subtle traps and guide us toward a life that fully honors God.

The Sin of Ungodly Entertainment

We tend to to watch TV shows and movies during or after a nice and relaxing dinner. We play games, watch games, play music to unwind, as we think it to be simple relaxation or downtime, right? But what does 1 Corinthians 10:31 say? It says…“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That show with crude humor, that game steeped in violence, that song celebrating rebellion… do they lift up God’s name? If they don’t, this isn’t neutral; it’s blatant sin for us as true believers on the straight and narrow.

We convince ourselves it’s harmless because it’s not “real.” Yet what we feed our minds shapes our hearts. During that year to year and a half of recovery, we’re not just breaking old habits; we’re aligning every moment with Him. Are you choosing entertainment that glorifies God, or settling for what glorifies the world and Satan?

The Sin of a Distracted Heart

Life is busy. You have work, family, maybe a big no-no going to meaningless secular or 12 steps meetings, endless to-do lists, etc. We’re not doing anything “wrong,” just living. But busyness can become a sin when it crowds out God. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” When our focus drifts to earthly demands and we neglect prayer, worship, or simply “being still” before Him who saved us. This is not glorifying God; it’s glorifying our schedules which is basically, idolatry.

A distracted heart doesn’t seem like rebellion; however, it’s subtle sin that causes us to drift and drift until we’re dog paddling in the middle of that ocean where we can’t even see land. During recovery, please know the cost of losing focus. Does your time spent center on Jesus, or has He ‘insidously’ become an afterthought?

The Sin of Self-Exaltation

People love a good comeback story… especially our own. “Look how far I’ve come,” you say, and it feels good to stand tall. But there’s a line between gratitude and pride, and crossing it turns victory into sin. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

When you take credit for your recovery through your own strength or willpower, and not give Glory to you’re not pointing to the Lord’s power… you’re stealing it. Jesus is put in the shadows rather than in the spotlight. The insidious sin here is self-exaltation, masquerading as confidence. Are you lifting up His name, or your own?

The Sin of Idle Words

Words slip out though gossip with a friend, a sarcastic jab, a complaint about the day. You either don’t think about it anymore or justify it as just idle talk. But Matthew 12:36 warns, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” If our words don’t glorify God… if they tear down, spread negativity, or waste breath on emptiness… they’re sin.

In recovery, and beyond in your Christian walk, you’re learning to speak life, not death. Are your conversations honoring Him, or just filling the air? Proverbs 18:21 says . . .

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

The Sin of Lukewarm Devotion

When you love the Lord, Biblical Recovery sparks a fire and hunger for God. Your prayer life becomes a joy, you cry to Jesus for help, and develop an overwhelmingly powerful desire to connect with God in every and any way possible. Just be aware that human nature… our sin nature… can put out that spark when the crisis fades or is over. You must stay strong, grateful, and never abandon your faith. In other words, don’t get comfortable. Revelation 3:16 says, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Lukewarm devotion doesn’t glorify God, as it’s a half-hearted offering He rejects. Anything less than wholehearted pursuit of Him is sin. Are you living all-in for His glory, or coasting on yesterday’s passion?

The Sin of Chasing Earthly Treasures

We all have dreams. Some want a better job, a nicer home, financial security. There’s nothing wrong with goals, until they outshine God’s will. Matthew 6:33 instructs, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When our hearts chase wealth, status, or comfort above Him, we’re not glorifying God… we’re glorifying ourselves.

During or after recovery ends, we’re reordering our lives as we balance our desires to line up with God’s will. Are your ambitions exalting Him, or building your own kingdom?

The Way Out: Living for His Glory

Here’s the truth: anything that doesn’t glorify God is sin. That’s chilling to watch yourself in a mindless ‘show’, letting our focus drift, boasting in our own strength, speaking carelessly, settling for lukewarm faith, chasing the world. These aren’t necessarily bold sins; they’re insidious and almost silent, blending into our routines. God still sees them and He provides a way out.

1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Recovery, and our walk with Jesus, isn’t about perfection; it’s about total surrender. Name these sins. Bring them to His Throne of grace. Give Him permission to realign your life.

Then, press forward. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” Recovery isn’t just escaping the past; it’s learning how to live for His glory… breath by breath. That’s where freedom lives.

A Challenge for Your Journey

Stop today and ask God: What in my life doesn’t glorify You? Don’t shy away from the answer. He’s not here to crush you; He’s here to lift you up. These insidious sins you may have never thought were sins, might be the weights holding you back from the life He designed. Repent! Refocus! Live for His glory. The joy on the other side is worth it. Read Romans 8:18 which says . . .

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Have a blessed rest of your day! Hoping to see you next post. In the meantime, keep a look-out for those insidious sins.