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Don't Believe the Lie
evastating. That word means “to bring to ruin or desolation” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). We use the term in relation to many things. The tragedy at Sandy Hook was devastating. Hurricane Katrina was devastating. The events of 9/11 were devastating. It’s a term all of us are familiar with.
This week I was reminded of another good application of the word—sin. Sin is devastating. It brings a life to ruin and desolation. The reality is that sin is more devastating than a mass shooting, a natural disaster, or an act of terrorism. Those things affect the physical life of man. But they don’t necessarily remove the victim from the promise of eternal life. In fact, if one is prepared they actually open the door for eternal life. Remember the words of Paul? “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). But sin? Sin is devastating because it destroys your relationship with God (Isaiah 59:1–2). It keeps God from hearing your prayers (Proverbs 28:9). And it brings forth death (Romans 6:23).
Think about the story of Adam and Eve for a moment. Prior to Genesis 3, they lived a euphoric life. They walked with God in a Garden full of blessings. They were given access to every fo
rm of vegetation with one exception—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3, we see Satan in the form of a serpent promising an improved life: “… when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” (vv. 4–5). But was their life better? The consequences of their sins included pain in child birth, wives being in submission to their husbands, painful labor to provide food, and death (Genesis 3:16–19). Satan promised a better life. But what they received ultimately was pain and death.
See the point? Sin is devastating. And we still see that today…
- A young man fails to control his passion and lust. He gives in to temptation with someone and ends up with a sexually transmitted disease. Sin is devastating.
- A young woman attends a party where she learns about recreational drug use. She becomes addicted and ends up walking the streets as a runaway. Sin is devastating.
- A married man gives in to the temptation of a co-worker. His marriage ends and his children lose respect for him. Sin is devastating.
- A mother has come under the power of alcohol. She drives under the influences, hits an oncoming car killing two people, and is sentenced to fifteen years in jail. Sin is devastating.
Sin has long-lasting and far-reaching consequences. Satan promises that if you give in to temptation you’ll have more fun and a better life. Don’t believe the lie. Sin will devastate your life.
