Monday, December 13, 2010

The wages of sin

The Bible verse says "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) It's true. everyone dies.
 This isn't a post about death, though. It's about the "now" wages of sin.
 When I was (I think) 11, Mom sent me outside to play. I didn't want to go, I whined and gave her a hard time. but I went. ooooh... what was this? My little sister and the neighbour boy playing with the axe! Dad told us not to touch that axe! Pride reared up... I had to RESCUE her from her sin of disobedience, before she got hurt. So, I took the axe from her, not even thinking that I was sinning just as much as she was. How often do we justify our sin? "It was necessary...I couldn't help it...I would be laughed at...there was no other choice" and on and on we go.
 In taking the axe from my sister, I was being disobedient and proud. I thought I knew better, I was big, I was above the rules. I was justified in my actions. I was "saving" my sister, but doing it the wrong way.
  I drove the axe back into the chopping block. Only, the block was FROZEN. Now, I don't know if you've ever tried to chop frozen wood, but it just doesn't work very well. At least not when you are 11 and a scrawny girl. That axe handle bounced up and knocked out my front tooth.
 That one moment of sin has cost me. I've had at least four dental surgeries since then. I need another, where I will lose more teeth.
 The "wages" of my youthful sin have been annoying, expensive, and even painful, but imagine how much more serious the eternal wages of ignoring God will be. God tells us to come, believe, accept, be clean and live  in his word.
 I am so glad that the verse continues.. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord" The wages have already been paid in full, no cost, or pain, or annoyance is required to heal your poor sinful soul!

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