Sin: The Most Dangerous Affliction

"If you will not have death unto sin, you shall have sin unto death. There is no alternative. If you do not die to sin, you shall die for sin. If you do not slay sin, sin will slay you." - Charles Spurgeon

Different diseases have been the cause of great suffering to humanity throughout time. Modern medical science is constantly working on, and discovering cures for many of them. As a result, a great number of deadly sicknesses or maladies have been successfully eradicated, and no longer pose the same threat that they once had.

Of all of the various afflictions that today's health care has managed to handle, or at least minimize the danger of, there is yet one disease that still eludes even the most advanced medical care. This ailment is exclusive to humanity, it is malignant, and is spread about our world in epidemic proportions.

What am I talking about? It is sin. This contagion runs rampant through the human race; it has infected all of mankind. Sin has tarnished and brought shame to the nature of man. We have all been corrupted and have morally declined from what man once was in his innocent state.

Psalm 14:3 (KJV) says that, "They are all together become filthy;" we are a foul and rotten mess. Our natural abilities are in so much disorder and confusion that we have become repulsive to God, and totally incapable of  fulfilling the intention of our creation.

No matter who we think we are, where we come from, or what we do, when you peel away our outer surface like an orange, this is what we look like. In this condition, we're no good; we are hopeless, useless, hindrances of the earth. If this all sounds a little harsh it's because it is true!

Sin is an object of extreme dislike to God, or an abomination as the Bible calls it (Jeremiah 44:4). It separates us from Him. Sin also takes our focus off of Him and places it on worldly wants and desires instead. We become slaves to sin and if it left unchecked will ultimately destroy us. It also blinds us to the truth; thus lessening our love for Him.

What can we do as sinners to overcome this barrier or obstacle to our being able to receive life? We can begin by despising sin as much as God does; understanding that He has set us apart. to sanctify us. But we can't do this on our own. Only God can give us His Holy Spirit make us holy.

As much as you might feel like throwing your hands up in the air in total frustration and helplessness, there is reason for optimism and promise. We're not abandoned by God when it comes to sin. He has given His promise to help us in our fight with sin (1 Corinthians 1:8). It is up to us to make the decision whether to faithfully accept the grace of God or not (Jeremiah 29:11).

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-16; James 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Colossians 2:2; Jeremiah 5:25

Prayer: I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps; please guide mine always. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Gretchen