When I was younger, more adventurous, and had a much lower medical deductible, my friends and I liked to drive to a creek a few miles from our school, put on our oldest shoes, and go wading. It was late summer/early fall, and the cool water and fresh air were so refreshing.
Generally, the water was only ankle deep. At some points, it would go rise to our knees. It was just deep enough to cool off while still allowing us to dry off and get back in the car without changing clothes.
The plan usually worked out unless one of us slipped. (By one of us, I mean clumsy me.) Then it was another story.
If I slipped backward, I’d land on my bottom and be wet from the waist down. If I fell forward, we’ll, then I’d be completely wet and have to go back home and wash the dirty water out of my hair and clothes. While the plan was always just to get a little wet, I have to admit that it was pretty easy to lose your footing and suddenly be surrounded by creek water. Not my favorite thing.
I was thinking about this experience the other day when someone talked about the fact that all sin is the same in God's eyes.
I agree. I’m the eyes of a holy God all of our sins are disgusting, repulsive, and leaves us in need of a Saviour.
That’s good theology. However, practically, I also believe there are different levels of how sin affects us. Practically, a small compromise may not impact our lives as much as choosing to rebel against God completely. Like the water in the creek, there are varying levels of impact and consequences.
However, also like the story of the creek, playing around with sin is a slippery slope. While you may intend to just dip your toe in and compromise a little—it’s very easy to fall and find yourself in deeper than you intended to be.
Social drinking can turn into alcoholism.
Gambling on a tiny event can quickly become an addiction.
It’s a small jump from yoga to being involved in Eastern religions.
Compromising with soft porn on tv or in a romance novel can quickly create an appetite for actual pornography.
The thing is that it’s easy to get into something thinking, “It’s no big deal, only to slip and wind up in a mess.”
That’s why Christians need to do all they can to avoid sin.
We shouldn’t play with it, entertain it, or try to straddle a road of compromise.
We need to do all we can to live holy lives, make wise Biblical choices, and avoid the lie that “it’s only a little sin.”
We need to hate evil and cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)
Keep short accounts with God.
When we sin, repent quickly.
Don’t make excuses for sin.
Don’t tolerate it or play with it.
Always remember the warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12:
"If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!"
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
