“Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” – Romans 1:24-25
Have you ever known anyone who worked in an especially stinky factory or lived close to something like a sulfur spring? When you approach, you are overwhelmed by the stench, but because they have lived in it for so long, it is no longer offensive to them. Actually, they don’t even smell it anymore. Now I ask you, would you trust that person to check your milk for you in the morning to make sure it is not rotten?
This is a good illustration of the lesson God is teaching us in Romans chapter 1. The intrinsic understanding of the difference between right and wrong is a God-given gift meant to draw us to Christ. However, when we choose to ignore that gift and purposely live in the stench of our sin, with no regard for conscience, we will sooner or later come to the place where it no longer stinks. The state of being given over to live ignorantly in our sin is, in itself, a form of God’s judgment.
This truth holds important implications for us today. What is your favorite sin? What evil do you find it easier and easier to commit as time goes on? Know that this is a dark and dangerous path. The last thing you want is to be “given over” to your sinful desires. I plead with you today; turn, repent, and be saved!
Almighty and perfect God, please give us the conviction and strength to recognize our sin in order to turn away from it and toward abundant life in Jesus Christ.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><