The Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample

Have You Counted The Cost?

Sin always comes with a price, and lust often demands more than we could ever anticipate. It destroys trust, erodes relationships, brings shame, and ultimately leads to spiritual death. Yet, in the midst of that destruction, Jesus offers forgiveness and a way out, but it’s essential to understand the damage that’s already been done.

Indulging in lustful desires for years cost me far more than I ever imagined. I lost invaluable time with my family—time I can never recover. Lust robbed me of the intimacy and growth I could have experienced with my wife, creating a rift that took years to heal. Beyond the relationships I damaged, the greatest cost was my peace of mind. I carried the heavy weight of guilt and shame, constantly feeling like a failure in every role—husband, father, and even as a man.

Lust blinds you to the real cost until it’s too late. In those fleeting moments of pleasure, you become numb to what you’re truly sacrificing—your peace, your relationships, your self-respect, and your integrity. What feels like temporary satisfaction is a mirage, masking the deep emotional and spiritual toll you’re paying.

When I look back, the damage caused by lust wasn’t worth any of the fleeting pleasure it promised. The true cost of lust is not just the moments lost—it’s the person you lose along the way. Understanding this cost is crucial in making the decision to break free and seek the healing only God can provide.

Challenge

Think about the consequences of lust in your life. What has it cost you? Reflect on the high price of sin, but also on the life and freedom Jesus offers instead. Surrender these areas to God in prayer today.

Prayer

God, help me to understand the real cost of my sin and to embrace the life You offer through Jesus. Amen.