Sin not only costs you today but also steals from your future.
Psalm 31:10 “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: My strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.”
One of the least recognized consequences of sin is the loss of future potential. Every sin has a cost. Some sins cost a lifetime. The results of these sins change the trajectory of a life reducing options in the future.
[shareable]It has been said, ‘The decisions you make today determine what choices are available to you tomorrow.'[/shareable]
Older people grasp this truth better than young people. It is hard for youths to understand the infinite potential of a life lived for God. They know they have potential but cannot perceive the heights available to them through obedience to God. Also, they don’t appreciate the devastating effects sin has on their future.
Adults have a different perspective. They can look backward to see the lost time, limited choices, and wasted opportunities of sin. They know the grief and sighing of sin. They have experienced the hard way of transgressors.
Every day lived in rebellion to God is a day lost forever. It cannot be reclaimed. The good that should have been done, the blessings that could have been enjoyed, the eternal difference that could have been made are left undone.
Every sinful choice limits your future. Every fulfilled lust confines you into a tighter road leading you to a place of further pain and suffering. Eventually, you will come to the situation of the prodigal son. Do you keep eating the husks of swine or do you go home to the Father? Why not repent and come home today?
As the verse says, sin causes grief, sighing, weakness, and pain. Some know this to be true because of experience. Others need to take it by faith.
Sin erodes potential. It limits future choices. Don’t miss out on God’s best because you choose to disobey Him.
Will you miss out on a blessed family because you choose to satisfy your lust now? Will you pass up a future ministry because you want to live your way today? Will you dismiss eternal rewards over temporal pleasure? Will you miss God’s best for the world’s worst?
Don’t do it! Say NO to sin today and see what amazing things God has prepared for you.
Whatever age you are right now, you still have potential to be greatly used of God. Don’t allow the discouragement of wasted days and lost opportunities paralyze you from future blessings. Your life can be more fruitful in every way if you will surrender to God.
Some of the best Christians I know didn’t start living for God until they were in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. It’s never too late to start.
Right now, ask God to forgive you. Repent of your rebellion and weakness. Ask the Lord to protect you from yourself and restore your potential. Say NO to temptation and live for Him today.
[callout]“Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my willful sin. I have rebelled against Your Holy will. I confess my sin and ask you to deliver me from my iniquity. I don’t deserve another chance, but I know Your mercy is endless and Your grace is abundant. Empower me to live for You. Amen.’ [/callout]
Today’s Bible Reading: Psalm 31
Read this devotional series from the beginning here.