There is a word used for the rebellion (disobedience and defiance) that is found in the heart of man.  We see the word first used in Genesis 4:7 (NLT), "You (Cain) will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master."  We see in Genesis 3:11 where the Lord asked Adam, "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you to not eat?"  We find many words in the Scripture which define the word "sin".  Pesha, used in the Old Testament means:  transgression, trespass, or sin.  This word has a connotation of breaking a rule that has been established.  The Hebrew word, chattiah, means: to miss the way or mark and includes both willfully going against what one knows is right and accidentally going against the divine order of things.  A third Old Testament word, avon, has a connotation of perversion or depravity.  It is most commonly translated as 'iniquity'.  The Greek word found in the New Testament is 'harmartia' from a term used in archery and means: to miss the mark.  It can be used to express making a mistake and falling short or willful rebellion against God.  So, to summarize the meaning of the word 'sin', we can say wrongdoing, transgression of God's law, rebellion, failure to do what is right, any thought, attitude, or action contrary to God's will and his perfect character of love.

 Just as Adam and Cain were faced with making a choice between obedience and rebellion, every one of us, daily, faces situations in which we must make the same choice.  Sadly, for many, rather than choosing what God's Word declares is right, they choose what is right in their own eyes or only take into consideration what would satisfy their own desires. Since the day Adam and Eve chose their own will over God's, the inclination of men's hearts has been to do the same.

 Judges 21:25, "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."

 Proverbs 21:2,  "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts."

 Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

 The Lord's Word is clear concerning the condition of man's heart as we see in the following scriptures:

 Genesis 6:5, " Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually".

 Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?"

 Mark 7:21-23, "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 "All these evil things come from within and defile a man." 

I believe we can see from these verses that in order to have a proper good relationship with God, a heart change for man is absolutely essential.

 With a view of recent decisions being made by those who call themselves 'progressives' and 'woke', I believe we are seeing a huge increase in those who are deciding to do what they deem is 'right in their own eyes'.  Many deny that sin exists.  They are in essence proclaiming that they are their own gods and choose their own way.  Many standards being set by those progressives are contrary to the will and Word of God.  Perverse and deviant behavior is not only becoming acceptable, but is being encouraged.  

 We see that the Lord is very clear on His thoughts concerning sin. Romans 1:18 declares, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness..."  It is alarming to see how many in the world today have allowed themselves to be pulled away from the truth of God's Word to follow after 'progressive' ideas! Many who have been raised in  the church have accepted the lies of the progressives and have bought into the 'woke' cultures' beliefs and are now calling what is good, evil and calling what is evil, good.  The Word of God is very clear - God will judge unrighteousness.  Take note though, that the Lord has not been caught unaware regarding this time of turmoil and the turning away from His truth that has come...Romans 1:32 (NLT), "They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too."

 1 John 1:5 and 6 (NLT), "This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth."  If we "go on living in spiritual darkness" (sin), we do not have fellowship with God. 

 Romans 5:18-21 (NLT), " Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. 20 God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  We know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and yet, if we confess our sin and repent (turn away) from it, He cleanses us from all sin and forgives us (1John 1:9).  God has provided for our salvation from the penalty of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23), to life through the shed blood of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 What must we do to ensure that we do not get caught up in the devil's lies and schemes?

 Ezekiel 18:13 (NLT) says, "Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel?"

 Proverbs 4:20-27(NLT), "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to My words. 21 Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil."

 Psalm 119:11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You."

 Hebrews 3:12-14, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end"

 Choose to follow God, whatever the cost.  Choose to not be rebellious.  Choose to fill your heart and mind with His Word. Choose to encourage or exhort one another daily.   Choose to pray...without ceasing.

 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."                           Psalm 51:10