ACCUMULATING SIN

Not long ago while mindlessly channel surfing, I caught a segment on Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch," about crab fishing in the Bering Sea. One of the dangers they faced in was the accumulation of ice on the ship's gear. If it is not removed quickly, disaster can happen. Tiny drops of water, combined with freezing temperatures and wind can literally destroy a crab boat and its crew. It seems impossible the just little drops of water could have such an effect on a ship of many tons of steel. But, ignoring those tiny drops of water can have a deadly effect.

How often do we ignore the accumulation of little sins in our lives,… rationalizing them at first because everyone is doing it,… or it's so small,… or no one knows anyway. Still, seeds will eventually grow. You've probably heard or read the saying:

We sow a thought and reap an act;
We sow an act and reap a habit;
We sow a habit and reap a character;
We sow a character and reap a destiny.

Christ saved us to be transformed into the "new self"…a “new creation”… which reflects Christ’s love and light to a world so desperately in need of it. Ephesians 4:22-24 puts it this way: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”  We simply must pay attention to our own sin (instead of being preoccupied with the sin of others), if we are to grow in Christ. We can’t allow the small sins accumulate in our life, because eventually, they will do their damage!

A final Biblical reminder from Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

If you find yourself growing weary and losing heart, it may be time to "get out on deck" and check your "gear" to see if something dangerous is accumulating!