Today’s Readings:
James 1:12-18
Psalm 94:12-15,18-19
Mark 8:14-21
Have you ever heard of “the biology of sin”? The idea just hit me. There is a reason sin is attractive. Saint James says: “Everyone who is tempted is attracted and seduced by his wrong desire. Then the desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it too has a child, and the child is death” (James 1:13).
This is a very graphic description of the stages of sin but let us break it down further:
First, you are presented with the object of sin (the hook is that it is pleasurable but dangerous!).
Then, you are invited to taste it —the more forbidden it is, the sweeter.
Once you get hooked on it, it becomes harder to resist.
Slowly you start to develop tolerance for it, you excuse it because every else is doing it (you no longer bring it up in counselling and confession).
Then despair starts to set in—you stop praying against it and you rule out the possibility of overcoming the sin.
Suddenly, death comes, without warning. May this not be your story in Jesus’ name.
So, what is the way out?
Happy is the person who stands firm when trials come. It is possible to overcome sin.
Never lie to yourself or excuse something wrong because you like it (love your life more!).
Be conscious of the things you allow into your mind as knowledge.
Consciously sift the ideas that are suggested to you and weigh them against God’s commands. If they are sinful or could lead to sin, discard them.
Reduce the incidences of exposure to bad influences (“the yeast of the Pharisees”)—You are more likely to mimic and accept the ideas, speech patterns and actions of people you listen to and hang out with most of the time. Make sure these influences are good.
Check with your spiritual director and be open about unclear ideas and practices to know if they are harmful or harmless. Take their advice or seek a second opinion.
Stay watchful in prayer—Nothing is hidden for long from the one who prays sincerely.
God will save you from sin and evil if you choose to be saved. Today’s Psalm says: “Happy is the man whom you teach, O Lord, whom you train using your law; to him you give peace in evil days while the pit is being dug for the wicked” (Psalm 94:12). In simpler terms, God will save you if you ‘allow yourself’ to be saved.
Don’t become the agent of your destruction because you cannot give up a bad or sinful habit.
May God grant you the insight to examine your conscience and identify evil tendencies that you should give up ASAP! I pray for the courage to do away with the persons, places and things that are constant occasions of sin in your life. As you give up the toxicity of sin, may the Holy Spirit breathe freshness and spiritual vitality into every aspect of your life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
O Lord, of the toxicity of sin and evil desires. Give us courage in the face of temptations and trials. Attach our hearts firmly to Your grace and help us to desire what makes for true happiness and peace through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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