(07.27.21–Sin Escapes! –Proverbs 16:25)
My friend, may I ask you a question? Are there decisions involved in sin, and how much does choice have to do with it? And, how much does it apply to making decisions in general?
How about sin? Are there decisions involved and, if so, how much does choice have to do with it?
My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I'm M. Clifford Brunner.
Choices. We make them every day by the hundreds. One psychiatrist has suggested that the average adult makes up to 800 choices every day. Choices range from turning the alarm clock off in the morning to opting for the second helping of mashed potatoes in the evening. In between there are a myriad of choices, some big, others small. We debate some and others we chose by habit. In the end, however, choosing is something we do a lot of, perhaps more than any other conscious daily activity. Many management-training courses recognize the importance of understanding "choice," incorporating it into their curriculum. One trainer has put it: "When managers are trained to recognize "choice" situations, learning discernment and patience as they calculate good management choices, management styles are enhanced and better decisions are generated." Sounds pretty basic? And, it ought to apply to making decisions in general. Right?
How about sin? Are there decisions involved and, if so, how much does choice have to do with it?
Here's a story: A woman died and went to heaven. "Choose heaven or hell," said St. Peter. "That's easy," she said. "Heaven." "It's not that easy," he said. "You have to spend a day in each place first." With that, he sent her down to hell. There she found herself in a sunny garden, where former friends warmly greeted her. She had a great time laughing and talking about old times as well as an excellent supper in a fantastic restaurant. She even met the devil, who turned out to be pretty nice. Later she returned to heaven. The day in heaven was great as well. She lounged around on clouds, sang, and played the harp. At the end of the day, St. Peter asked for her decision. "Heaven was great," she said, "but I had a better time in hell. I choose hell." With that, she went back down. When the doors opened, she saw a wasteland covered in garbage and filth. When the devil walked over, she said, "I don't understand. Yesterday, it was beautiful and I had a great time." The devil smiled and said, "Yesterday, we were recruiting. Today, you're staff." (Author unknown)
The Bible declares: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25). That passage from Proverbs is the key; sin is a choice, not something we fall into. Rather, sin is something we choose. And, since sin is really all about choice, the opposite is also true: we can chose not to sin. Ultimately, because God has given us the freedom to make choices, we can choose to make good ones or bad ones. When it comes to sin, however, a bad choice can turn recruitment (temptation) into a permanent staff situation in hell; that being the case, a little discernment and patience as we contemplate each sinful risk can really come in handy.
We pray. Heavenly Father, there truly is a way that seems right to me, but in the end it very well could lead to death.” That passage from Proverbs is the key Lord; because as much as we would like to deny it, sin is a choice, not something we fall into. And, since sin is really all about choice, the opposite is also true: we can chose not to sin. Ultimately, because You have given us freedom to make choices, we can choose to make good ones or bad ones. When it comes to sin, however, a bad choice may lead us into a permanent situation in hell; that being the case, please give us the discernment and patience we need Lord to contemplate each sinful that comes our way. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
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<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.