Sin never takes us to a good place
Sheryl Boldt
What do you admire most about the person you want to emulate? What causes you to lose
respect for someone you once admired?
It’s inspiring to see (and, if possible, to spend time with) people who achieve success through
their wise choices – those who stay true to themselves and their life’s purpose.
On the other hand, it’s frustrating to want to help someone escape their destructive choices, only for them to stubbornly reject your advice.
Which one are you? The person worth emulating or maybe you’re the one your family and
friends have repeatedly tried to rescue, but you’ve refused their help. Perhaps you’ve seen a bit
of both in yourself.
Many of us have ignored wise advice and carry the scars to show for it. This is why we want to
help others avoid making the same mistakes as those who resist God’s ways.
In Matthew 4:17 (AMPC), Jesus said, “Repent (change your mind for the better).”
Today, I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to show me what “better” means in relation to the
choices I make.
It’s frightening to realize that sometimes we not only succumb to sinful temptation but also lack
the wisdom to recognize the danger of our sin. Apart from God, we don’t have the strength to
resist that behavior, which almost guarantees days (or even years) of humiliation.
We’d be wise to think about where we want to be before we reach the end of our lives. Even
before the end of this day.
The other option is to allow our sinful choices to continue to hold us hostage. But how much
devastation are we willing to suffer before we reach the end of our rope; Before our family and
friends have had enough?
What would happen if we asked God to show us the long-term consequences of our decisions?
What if we asked Him to show us His way – the better way?
Our sins are destroying us. Disobedience (even delayed obedience) shortchanges us. Sin – any
sin – never takes us to a good place. And once we’ve suffered the consequences, how long will it take us to regain our footing? If we ever do.
Thankfully, we’re not alone. In every temptation, we’re never without God’s wise counsel.
Furthermore, we’re never without His love, compassion, grace, mercy and power.
Every day, let’s pray for the wisdom to obey God. From now on, let’s resolve to make obedience
to Him non-negotiable. Let’s live the kind of life we want to see in others – the life God revealed
to us in Christ.
This kind of tenacity will make us people who deserve respect and emulation.
Sheryl H. Boldt is a faith columnist and the author of the blog www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net.
