Sin. First it blinds you, then it...

[MamaKush]

I listen to Greg Laurie on the radio a lot.  He is a Pastor at Calvary Chapel out of Riverside, CA.  One day he was talking about sin and something he said stuck with me. 

"Sin.  First it blinds you, then it binds you, then it grinds you!" 

My personal example is with the doughnuts at church. 

"First it BLINDS you...": 

There they are...sitting there, perfectly stacked, just waiting for me to pick one up.  No matter how much I've talked about not eating one (while driving there) or if I've had oatmeal that morning to offset my hunger...one whiff of the sweet, sugary fat pill sends me into a delirium as my mouth starts to water and my mind starts playing tricks on me: 'Just eat ONE, Sally...it will be worth it!'  I'm thrown into a trance like state and all I can think about is how it will melt in my mouth and before I know it, I've grabbed one!

"...then it BINDS you...": 

Now I could put it down and walk away...but, I've already touched it right?!  I could throw it away.  No, that would be wasteful!  I could give it to my husband.  No, he definitely doesn't need it!  LOL  So, here it goes...past my lips...that first bite!  Oh my!  That was good!  There ain't no going back now!   Before I know it...I've inhaled the whole thing and I'm eyeing another one! 

"...then it GRINDS you...":

I let out a big sigh as I think about all those extra calories I've taken in and the extra miles I'll have to run to shed them.  I feel guilty for ruining my healthy diet.  I'm disappointed that the whole experience was much less than my original 'blinding' expectations.  UGH!  In just 60 seconds look what I've created!  'Sally?  Was it REALLY worth it?'

Now, this is a simple example, but sin works like this in other areas. It's subtle. It starts out just a little, then a little more and little more until it's so big you have trouble resisting.  Or you get brainwashed into thinking 'it's okay'.   Sin messes up your communication with God.  Your alignment with Him gets broken.  It's when most people start to say, "I feel far away from God." and then they blame God, but, they really should be evaluating their hearts.  Your behavior is a reflection of your heart.

Good news!  Here is God's promise to His children: 

1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

This is a great memory verse to memorize and remember in weak moments. 

Now, if you decide not to take that way out, then be prepared to suffer the consequences.  Sin always has a consequence (the grinding part).   If you do falter, know that God still loves you and is waiting for you with open arms.   His love is unconditional.  Like with any relationship, you must be sincere.  If you say you want to change or turn away from something you are doing, then actions must follow your words.  If they don't, then you may not truly want to change.  Ask God to help you...to help you change your heart.  Rely on His strength and His promise to help you.

Because, He thinks YOU ARE WORTH IT!

 

 

[damira]

Jan. 17, 2009 at 10:06 AM

hmm I'm not that religious, but I do like that phrase for temptations in general.  Thanks for sharing

[MamaKush]

Jan. 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM

LOL!  I'm not religious either...and if I had to be, I wouldn't be very good at it!

I like this verse, because it stresses right up front that my circumstances aren't extraordinary...I'm not special when it comes to temptation.  It leaves no 'out' for me that way...where I can say, "Well, in my case, this is different..." 

This promise to every believer gives a peace for the taking...but many times they don't.

Some people misinterpret this to say God won't give you more than you can handle.  I don't believe that.  I believe God DOES give you more than you can handle, so you will rely on Him to help you...otherwise, what would you need Him for?

(Original Poster)

[Kaliemx3]

Jan. 20, 2009 at 5:50 AM

Heyyy!! I am a former Calvery Chapel girl from No Cali!! I grew up when Greg Denham first started preaching in Auburn. I get Pastor Laurie's emails daily. He sure is awesome. So sad that his son passed away this past year =(

My prayer every morning is God create in me a new heart (((())) Love this verse

1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."