“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James. 1:15.
Gary Richmond, a former zoo keeper, had this to say: “Raccoons go through a glandular change at about 24 months. After that they often attack their owners. Since a 30-pound raccoon can be equal to a 100-pound dog.” “I felt compelled to mention the change coming to a pet raccoon owned by a young friend of mine, Julie.” She listened politely as I explained the coming danger. I'll never forget her answer. "It will be different for me. . ." And she smiled as she added, "Bandit wouldn't hurt me. He just wouldn't." Three months later Julie underwent plastic surgery for facial injuries sustained when her adult raccoon attacked her for no apparent reason. Bandit was released into the wild after that attack.
Sin, too, often comes dressed in an adorable guise, and as we play with it, how easy it is to say, "It will be different for me." The results are predictable. It doesn't matter how familiar you may be with sin, it will destroy you. That lustful thoughts grow into lustful looks which can change into an addiction to pornography which warps relationships and can destroy marriages. A small white lie becomes a pattern which leads to larger and greater lies and can destroy your reputation and people’s trust of you.
Small gossips grow into talking behind everyone’s back which leads to loss of friendships and people lose respect for you.
A small indiscretion can grow into a full blown lack of integrity. What do we do? The fact is that sin grows, it may start small, it will always increase in size and consequences. Don't become so well adjusted to evil such that you get away with it, it may turn back to hunt and hurt you. But there is a better way. It takes forethought and it takes intentionality. Don’t play with sin. Don’t set yourself up to play with something that will grow to something that can kill and maim you. Put it down while you still can. Take care of it before it becomes a force to be reckoned with. Selah!
FURTHER READING:
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor. 10:13.
“The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. / He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.” Prov. 5:22-23.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, guide my steps and thoughts towards truth and honesty. Help me to walk with integrity, speaking and acting truthfully in all situations. Strengthen my resolve to resist temptation and embrace righteousness in all I do in the mighty name of Jesus, amen."
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Psa. 57:1-11.
Psa. 58:1-11.
Psa. 59:1-17.
Psa. 60:1-12.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Whatever You Practice Is Your Religion. If You Practice Sin, You Are A Sinner. If You Practice Righteousness You Are A Saint.”
