The Fire Withinنمونہ

THE PRICE OF COMPROMISE

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Despite being set apart for God’s purpose, Samson began to make some compromises. First, he ate honey from the body of the lion he killed. This was already in violation of his calling as a Nazirite, which included staying away from dead bodies. But Samson did not think it was a big deal. Also, he insisted on marrying a woman who would lead him away from his faith in God.

That is how sin always works. It starts out small and harmless. But if we are not alert, it will grow bigger and bigger in our lives till it destroys much. Maybe it starts with one drink, or going too far physically than you intended, or visiting certain websites just once, or hanging out with people who have a bad influence on you. Whatever the case, sin will always try to package itself as harmless.

That is why the best way to respond to sin is to remove it completely—to run away from it. Jesus died on the cross, taking away our sins. Paul said, since we have died with Christ we cannot live in sin any longer. It is time for us to flee from sin and pursue God’s best for us.

REFLECT

1. Are you currently playing around with “little sins” that do not seem to be a big deal? Do you see now how they lead to death?
2. How did Jesus’ death on the cross set you free from those particular sins? How does that help you walk in victory over them?

RESPOND

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life where you might be allowing sin to take root. Share this with someone to help you and pray with you.
2. Put to death any sinful habit that might be taking root by changing your lifestyle, confessing to another person, or even getting rid of things that lead you to sin. Ask God to give you the grace to walk in victory over sin.