The temptation to sin is huge. Why? Well, not only are we naturally sinful without the intervention of Christ in our lives, but sin is often disguised as something extremely attractive and exciting. And once embroiled in sin, it is very difficult to get out of it. I believe that there are only three scenarios related to sin, and all of them are increasingly unpleasant and burdensome. Let me explain what I mean … .

 

In the first instance, you are faced with the temptation of sin, in whatever form - gambling, adultery, fraud, to name but a few - and the struggle you face is either to give in to temptation or to turn around and walk away from it.

 

That act of walking away may be tough, but it is over relatively quickly and is therefore a whole lot easier than the second scenario which results from succumbing to temptation. In this case, as a Christian open to the working of God in your life, once you indulge in the sin you experience the contradiction of the temporal pleasures it offers, as well as the guilt associated with it. You now face two options. You either continue to sin, but it is highly probable that the Holy Spirit will convict you until you are overwhelmed by guilt. Alternatively, you decide to turn away from the sin which results in the searing loss that comes from the absence of that sin’s pleasures in your life.

 

The third scenario is even more unpleasant. In this instance, your sin is exposed and you are then forced to deal with the repercussions of what you have done. Added to this are feelings of extreme guilt, as well as the vacuum that results from that sin’s absence in your life.

 

God knows all of this and that is why I believe He is very clear about staying away from sin in the first place. Proverbs 1:10;

 

            “My son, as sinners entice you,

            Do not give in to them”.

 

Proverbs 11:5 says;

 

            “The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them,

            But the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness”.

 

So my advice to you when faced with something that is wrong is to turn around and RUN!