Sin is a monster

Two weekends ago, during the winter retreat, we got things started by Joe Blanchard talking about sin, and how sin is like a big pile of horse crap that stinks up our living room. He actually brought in a bag of the stuff to make his point.

Sin is so many things, and it makes me angry the way it messes everything up. Then again, we're the ones who usually dip into sin.

1) Sin destroys relationships
Look back in the garden. When Adam and Eve sinned, they destroyed their relationship with God, their maker. Before, they could walk with him side by side, talk with Him face to face, etc. Sin came in and completely destroyed all of that, because God is holy and cannot come into contact with sin. Adam and Eve also destroyed their relationship to creation and to the animals, because now a sacrifice must be made, and blood must be shed. Brings me to my next point.

2) There's always a price to pay with sin
The biggest price is death, eternal separation from God. Besides that which many are familiar with, sin also means a price in this lifetime. For Adam and Eve it meant they had to leave the garden, and work for their provisions. When David sinned with Bathsheba, the newborn child, born of that sin, died. The price of sin here on earth is usually paid in the amount of causing pain to others.

Everything God set in His Word, He set for a reason. He didn't throw in arbitrary commandments just to see if you would follow Him or not. They all have a purpose. Most of His commands are just that to allow us to live life to the fullest, while causing the least amount of pain and suffering. Why then do we as Christians (and I speak of myself here too) decided to tip toe the line of sin, thinking there'll be no harm if we get so close or even put a few toes on it? If we love God and recognize that sin is a monster that wrecks havoc, why do we still pull away from Him? We cannot be ignorant of the price and consequences of sin.

I'm as much frustrated/disappointed in myself in saying all of this as I am in all of human nature.

I encourage you to clean out sin in your life if you have any. I also encourage you to beware giving in to temptation, because when you do, you won't just be harming yourself, you will also harm someone else, even someone close to you...