by John Grant
“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
The giant African land snail is considered one of the most damaging snails in the world because it eats at least 500 types of plants and can cause structural damage. It also can carry a parasite that can lead to meningitis in humans.
It’s not known how the snail arrived in Florida this time, and there’s no estimate for how many remain, but In an aggressive effort to keep an invasive snail species from making a permanent home in Florida, 78,000 critters have been captured in the past year.
They were found in the southern part of the state and are multiplying their way northward. They have been found in the wild and in residential backyards. They pose significant risks to Florida’s landscape. They lay eggs – up to 1200 a year – and they live for nine years.
There is a spiritual parallel here. Sin is a trap that sneaks its way into our lives and will destroy us. Often it sneaks up on us, and before we know it, we have a sin problem. Oh, how subtle it can be, but like the snail it multiplies exponentially.
Sin sneaks up on us undetected. It may bring pleasure for a short while, but it’s short-lived! Then we have to pay the consequences. Sin is deceitful. We think we’re okay, and before we know it, we are sinning with little or no conviction. Our hearts have hardened. If we sow to sin we will reap the consequences.
The choice is ours. We are a servant (slave) as shown by whom we yield to—sin or righteousness. We cannot be a servant to both. Once we fall into the sin trap we are boxed in on every side, but thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus, it is never too late to repent and turn from sin.
First Peter reminds us to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) and always be mindful that the someone is you and I.
Lord, help me to be aware on a daily basis of the enemy who is eager to trip me up. Please give me Your correction and guidance and help me to be self-controlled and alert. Amen.
Question: Do you have sin that needs to be uncovered?
You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/01/03/jg_sneaking-in/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
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