Romans 6:23 tells us that the wage of sin is death, meaning eternal separation from God. The only way to prevent this from happening is to become a follower of Jesus Christ, allowing him to forgive us from our sins. After accepting Christ, we become free from the power of sin, which means that willful sin doesn’t have to be a way of life.
This does not mean that we can’t choose to be disobedient to our heavenly Father and sin. After all, Satan is still in the world to tempt us.
One of the reasons many choose to say no to these temptations is because of the hurt it causes others.
First, we hurt the Lord but sometimes we hurt those closest to us. One of the sins that causes the most hurt among families is sexual sin, especially adultery. The spouse suffers hurt as well as any children in the home.
There are other sins that destroy people’s reputations and might get them arrested, like illegal drug use or theft. The list goes on and on.
What we don’t understand is that there are people watching us who we have influence over. When we fall, they get hurt. Sometimes disappointment is so strong that it causes those considering Christ to back away.
The good news is that we have a choice to say no, and we have access to the Holy Spirit, who can fill us and give us the power we need.
Secondly, even if we do something that causes hurt in others, Christ offers forgiveness and restoration. There are still consequences for sin that we may have to live with on this earth, but what Christ offers gives us assurance of life everlasting.
So, the next time you come to a crossroads where you think about being disobedient, consider the cost and the many you may hurt.
Consider others before disobeying
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