Sin is Subtle/Sneaky

Sin never "just happens." There are some obvious sins that we all see and can clearly avoid. But in most cases, even those "big" sins didn't start out big, at least not always. They are like weeds; they start out small, but one day you wake up and your whole flower bed or yard is full of them. Sin can be very subtle (cunning, wily, or crafty) or sneaky like that.

Sin can sneak its way into our lives if we don't squash it early, while it's small and less powerful. Things like undisciplined eating, bad habits, lustful thoughts, interactions with others, and other temptations we face that can "trip us up."Once these things become comfortable, familiar, or ingrained, they can fly under our radar and don't get as noticeable. What used to send up red flags, now gets overlooked due to "2nd nature" type habits. We may notice them and think, "I should get this under control before things get out of hand." At times we heed the warnings and prompting by the Holy Spirit; other times we don't.

This is when transparency, accountability, personal development, prayer, and living in close, Christian community are crucial elements of our walk with Christ and others. Even then it's not "fool proof," but these can make a significant difference in avoiding disaster.

James 1:12-18 (NASB) gives some clear warnings and insights into sin and temptation:

¹² Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has ^[m]been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted ^[n]by God”; for God cannot be tempted ^[o]by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin ^[p]is accomplished, it brings forth death. ¹⁶ Do not be ^[q]deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or ^[r]shifting shadow. ¹⁸ In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be ^[s]a kind of first fruits ^[t]among His creatures.

Sin can be sneaky and subtle, but the good news is we have been given power by the Holy Spirit to fight it. Our purity and strength and "Godly habits" are also subtle. We can do a little bit every day to prune the habits, behaviors, and thoughts that trip us up if allowed to grow and take root. The longer we wait to deal with these things, the harder it becomes to undo or change them. Trust me, I know. I am still, at the age of 40, working on issues that should have been dealt with in my college days.

What subtle, small habits, thoughts, actions, etc. do you know notice in your life that are in the early stages of development? Are they leading you to better growth and maturity, or leading you toward disaster? Pray for wisdom and keep the ones that are obedient to Christ, and pray for the courage and strength to change the ones that are leading you away from faithfulness.

What "deep rooted" actions, thoughts, beliefs, actions have you noticed that may need an over haul and intervention that are causing you problems? Are you willing to get help? How much longer will you wait before deciding it's time to change and let others help get you healing and freedom?