Today’s Reading, Lamentations 1-2
Focal Scripture: Lamentations 1:8 “Jerusalem has sinned grievously; therefore, she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness. She herself groans and turns away.”
Every action has an opposite and equal reaction. It’s not just a science phrase it is a truth we all know. In life, I would actually argue that every action has a reaction that is bigger than the original action. For instance, if your spouse tells you that you are doing something that irritates them, most of us will respond with questions and then point out a flaw that they have. Why? Because even if we know something to be true being called out is uncomfortable and we desire them to feel what we feel. We don’t want to be the only person who is working through a problem.
In today’s reading we see clearly that sin also causes a reaction. That reaction comes in the form of consequences. Jerusalem has sinned grievously unto the Lord. Because of that sin they are now an object of scorn. They are now despised by people who lifted them up before others. The people are now exposed and they feel shame. Sin brought those consequences onto the people.
We must know that our sin has consequences. You might think you are getting away with a particular sin but know this truth; you will suffer a consequence in the following ways.
- Sin can affect you emotionally
- Sin can affect you physically
- Sin can affect your attitude
- Sin can affect your work
- Sin can affect your relationships
- Sin can affect your heart
I know that list may seem obvious but sin does something to us when we hide it or try to act like we don’t struggle. I know when I am struggling with sin it affects my mood. I become short with those I love and I become intolerant of others. My attitude is no longer patient and I take out my struggles on those who care about me the most.
What I want you to take away from today’s reading is that sin has consequences for us personally and those we are around. Our sin will cause damage and impact our daily lives. However, we have hope. God knew that we would sin, even as believers. When we do sin, he wants us to call it out to him. We need to ask him to cleanse us from what has made us dirty. We must be willing to confront our evil hearts and ask for help. This is a battle we can’t win but it is a battle Christ has already defeated.
Yes, sin has consequences but God can help us deal with our sin so we learn from. We do not need to be defined by it in our lives.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Lamentations 3-5
