Keep Your Guard Up

But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication]. Hebrews 3:13 (Amplified Bible, AMP)

We must be aware of sin and its consequences. It can be very deceitful and treacherous (Genesis 3). It appears pleasant, and it may be pleasant for a season. However, it eventually demands a high price. Here are some reminders about the effects of sin to help us keep our guard up.

• Sin separates us from God, from His presence, from fellowship with Him and from the ability to enjoy Him. We cannot hear God when we are in sin.

• Sin defiles us, making us unclean and unrighteous. It gives you a sin consciousness, with an awareness that you are in sin- and that is a dirty feeling.

• Sin hardens our hearts, making it easier and easier to disobey God. So, sin begets more sin.

• Sin brings spiritual death. The person is living but their spirit is inactive. They are simply existing.

• Sin brings the curse (poverty, sickness, and spiritual death).

• Sin brings misery and suffering to us and to others. It always affects other people.

• Sin steals from us all that God has provided- peace, joy, happiness….

• Sin leads us down the wrong path. It always ends badly for someone in sin.

• Sin never satisfies. It always leaves us wanting something, and it never delivers the kind of life our heart really desires. It makes us settle for less.

• Sin blinds us to ourselves. It creates a real blindspot to our own weaknesses and shortcomings. However, it does rejoice in pointing out the shortcomings of others. Sin is linked to selfishness and self-centeredness.

• Sin divides us, causing strife and hatred between people. It births unforgiveness, negativity, resentment, and bitterness.

• Sin distorts and destroys true creativity, and it warps our thinking and reasoning. There is no peace of mind when sin is present.

• Sin deceives us into thinking we are free when we are actually in bondage.

• Sin hinders prayer. It hinders faith from operating.

• Sin brings regret, shame and guilt.

• Sin steals our destiny, our self-worth, our value and dignity. In short, sin humiliates us.

• Sin blocks us from truly worshipping God.

• Sin takes our health and shortens our lives.

Keep in mind, that this list applies to someone who continues in a lifestyle of sin- this is not about the person who is walking with God but messes up sometimes. If we slip up and sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us and we are ble to repent and make things right again- with no condemnation. However, if we resist repenting, we allow sin to get a foothold. Therefore, it is important that we remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be quick to repent.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:19 (KJV)

Jesus has deated sin for us, so as long as we are trusting in Him as our Savior and Lord, we can know that we are no longer sinners- instead we are saints. We are not bound by sin, but we are free in Christ.

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 (New Living Translation, NLT)