Therefore we also, since we are
surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Sin is our most
persistent, determined, and pernicious enemy. Sin seeks to rob us of every good
thing God has designed for us. Paul tells us that sin brings death (Rom. 7:11).
Yet it is very subtle. Sin creeps into our lives when and where we least expect
it. It packages itself so attractively that we are lulled into thinking that it
cannot really harm us (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Sin stealthily and
relentlessly entangles our lives. We will never be able to run the race marked
out for us as long as we are entrapped in sin. We free ourselves from sin’s
bondage only if we recognize it for what it is. If we call sin a “mistake,” a
“bad habit,” or a “weakness,” we will never escape its grasp. We must not blame
our sins on others. We must not allow pride to convince us it is too
humiliating to admit the sin in our lives. Sin can blind us to its presence. It
does not always command our attention but rather, it subtly and pervasively
robs us of the spiritual power and victory that could be ours. The good news is
that there is no extent to which sin can entangle us that God’s grace does not
abound still more to free us (Rom. 5:20).
Has sin robbed your
joy? Has it prevented you from being the best husband, wife, son, daughter, or
friend you could be? Is it keeping you from spiritual maturity? If you have
become entangled with sin, God can release you immediately, no matter how
desperately entangled you may have become!
No comments:
Post a Comment