Sin And Its Effects

1 Samuel 2:17, “Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.”
Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Many times we think sin is something that only happens to someone else or it is what we see on the evening news. Man by nature is a sinful creature. The bible gives us the definition of sin, “for him that knoweth to do right and doth it not to him it is sin.” Sin is something we don’t want to talk about and surely don’t want anyone to know about. It can come quick and it has long reaching fingers. It can and will deceive us. It is a lie that the devil uses to keep us from the God who loves us and paid a high price for us.
Sin can reach from the pulpit to the back pew. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” No one is safe from the ravages of sin. 1 Samuel chapter 2 talks about how the sons of Eli the priest were causing a entire nation to turn away from God. Just like these sons of Belial, or worthless men loved sin more than they loved God we today are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. What dose sin cause? It causes us to harden our hearts and draw away from God. Sin comes in many forms and will affect many people. Whether the sin is lust or greed or anger or pride (to name a few) it will deceive us by promising to give us pleasure, satisfaction or success. To gain an upper hand or get more stuff is the lie the devil uses to lure us away from the truth of God.
This is nothing more than a lie Satan uses to defeat God’s children. He polishes up worldly stuff and bates us to just take one little taste. What can it hurt? He sneers. But it is a lie. True and lasting joy and peace can only come through the love of God. We must walk in constant vigilance for our adversary is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
We are in a war daily and we must be prepared to fight. We must fight while it is yet today for there is coming a day when we will not be able to fight. There is coming a day when all will have to stand and give account for the life God gave to each. We cannot afford to put off dealing with sin. The work of repentance and faithfulness is a fulltime and daily job.
Today is almost over and our Lord is one day closer to His return. Amos told us to prepare to meet our God. Are we ready for His coming? Will you get to go with Him or will you be left behind?