Message from Scripture:  1/11/2021

Our message from Scripture for today comes from Eph. 4:22-24. “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Heart disease has often been called the "silent killer."   It has earned this title, because it may go undetected for some time, until its effects become undeniable, and the consequences destructive.  Unless you have regular checkups, you just don’t realize how your lifestyle can affect your future.

Sin works in a similar way.  You do something wrong, and your conscience bothers you about it, but, unlike Ananias and Saphirra, you're not struck down.  You may not even notice any adverse consequences immediately.  Then, sin begins to deceive you about its nature, so you won't notice how its hardening your heart.  The voice of conscience that once spoke so loudly soon becomes just a whisper, and then vanishes.  As sin runs its course, it finally bears its fruit. Is there time to repent, or even the desire to change?  How many ways has it affected your life?  What price has been paid for temporal pleasure?  You just didn't realize how your lifestyle was affecting your future.

Sin works so subtly, but even unnoticed, it works. The end result is judgment. Rather than passively allow sin to destroy us, we should become pro-active in seeking God. Be ever alert to the dangers of sin, and ever conscious of the blessings of life in Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).  Your lifestyle does affect your future, today and eternally. What is yours working in you right now? God bless.

Robert