Best friends Sadie Robertson and Kolby Koloff talked about sin, forgiveness, and accountability in their first “I am Different” devotional video Monday night. They hope to show others that God’s ways are different than the world’s ways – His ways are healing, faithful, and good.
The video begins with the young women holding up signs reading “insecurities,” “guilt,” “unworthy,” “addictions,” “lust,” “shame,” and “regret”- emotions and behaviors that run rampant in the lives of those who have not yet found forgiveness and hope in Christ. The girls played Casting Crowns’ “Slow Fade” by way of introduction to James 1:14: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away” (New Living Translation).
Satan can lure people into sin slowly at first, said Sadie - he entices us with small decisions to sin, which eventually grow into larger ones. All of a sudden, we can get tangled up in sin and we may not even realize what is happening.
Every single one of us has given into temptation, and has “felt, in some way, what those cards represent” said Sadie. The good news is this: that God, loving us, sent His only Son Jesus Christ to bear the penalty of our sin – the wrath of God and death on the cross – so that everyone who receives Him as their Savior can be forgiven. Jesus was raised from the dead three days after being crucified, and He promises to forgive us and to give a new life to all who call out to Him for salvation – a free gift from the God of the universe.
Caroline Ray (left), Saide Robertson (middle), and Kolby Koloff. (Photo:Instagram)
1 Corinthians 6:9b-11 says, “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” This is the truth, and we are all sinners in need of a Savior. The powerful message of the Gospel is what comes next: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (English Standard Version). Jesus’ death cleans us, if we receive Him. The kingdom of heaven is filled with repentant sinners who have pushed all of their cards on the table: it is Jesus alone Who can save.
The girls then read 2 Timothy 2:22 – “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
Saide Robertson (right) with best friend Kolby Koloff (left). (Photo: Instagram)
“Surround yourself with people who are going to build you up, and are going to help you in building your faith and helping it grow stronger and stronger, because that is what’s going to help you [be sustained] in all of those temptations,” said Kolby. Sadie encouraged viewers to ask their friends to help keep them accountable – “Find somebody that would tell you if you’re doing something wrong, because it really changes your life,” she said.
The video ended with Matthew West’s “Hello My Name Is” playing while the girls held up signs saying “joy,” “goodness,” “confidence,” “peace,” “hope,” “self-control,” and “love” – things that fill the life of a child of God (see Galatians 5:22-23).
