Consequences

1 Corinthians 5:6 “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?”

We recently learned a difficult lesson concerning flossing with one of my children. What seemed like an unimportant discipline, had major repercussions in the end. We went to the dentist for what we believed to be a cavity. We found out that several cavities located between the teeth that only flossing could address had progressed undetected. The lack of flossing allowed the cavity to move further down into the root of the tooth ruining the entire tooth! Flossing seemed so trivial and yet that small thing could’ve prevented major consequences. Just like our teeth require cleaning, so do our souls. If we know we should be addressing some things the Lord is speaking to us about, and don’t take time to do so, that sin is taking root and spreading. While you may not feel the consequences immediately, what’s hidden under the surface will erupt in infection and pain eventually.

There’s no such thing as insignificant sin. No matter how we would like to define or even defend what may be considered “small” concerning sin. The reality is, sin separates us from the Lord. Sin resulted in Jesus’ death on the cross. Sin beginning small or large leads to destruction in either case. We serve a merciful Savior who bore the guilt for our sin. He longs to redeem us and cleanse us, so we are walking in right relationship with Him. I encourage you, if the Lord is tapping on your heart to rid yourself of some junk stuck in the crevasses of your soul, take the time to do so. He’s protecting you from consequences and pain if you’ll take the time to listen and obey.

Pastor Natalie Snider