Your Sin Will Cost You

            I was planning to go to Target for a black Friday free giveaway that started at 6am. I originally planned to be there earlier, so I set my alarm for 4:30. When my alarm went off….I went back to sleep. I figured, “I have time, I’ll make it. And if not, whatever.” The reason I went back to bed was to fantasize about things that I shouldn’t. I have fallen into temptation many times, and this time was no different. When I finally decided to get ready, I ended up missing the free items. And the worst part?There were only about ten people in front of me! Had I gotten up at the time I was supposed to, I would’ve gotten the free gift. And as I was headed into the store, the thought came to me: Your sin will cost you.

I imagined that last day when Jesus will return. In that Day, those who have followed Jesus and done His will are going to be with Him for all eternity. And those who did not choose Jesus, and chose to be wicked, will be damned for all eternity. In Matthew 24:38-51, Jesus teaches about the difference. He uses a parable of a faithful servant and an evil servant. The faithful servant was to “give meat in due season” or be always prepared. The evil servant began to abuse and get drunk. The evil servant probably thought that was waiting too long, or that they still had time. But that servant, Jesus says, is destined for the place where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (v.51).

So, take this story of my Target visit as a warning: when you sin, it stops you. It hinders you. While in sin, you miss out on opportunities, you miss blessings, you miss prayer, you miss time with God, and you miss the "Free Gift" who is Jesus. And when its over, you get filled with guilt, doubt, shame, and unworthiness. But Jesus died on a cross for you so that you’d be saved from ALL sins: past, present and future.

BUT!!! Just because we have grace does not mean we should abuse it. Grace is given because we are trying to do better. Grace is not a get out of jail free card. Once you are saved, it doesn’t mean you continue living in your sin. As I said a few blogs ago—don’t go back! You are supposed to be changed and convicted about your sins, which reminds you not to do them. Yes Jesus saves you and God provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13), but you HAVE to choose to walk away. This is especially applicable to me based on my story! James 4:7 says to resist the devil, and he will flee from you. When you resist The Satan you are resisting ALL of his tricks, lies, and misdirection. Keep yourself with Jesus, keep yourself in God’s Word, and you will see yourself as the faithful servant going Home with Him.

Don’t let your sin cost you Heaven.

-Sherry Amor