My family and I just got back from our spring break vacation. We traveled to see my parents and my childhood home. I certainly enjoyed the trip and especially had a great time showing my kids where daddy hung out when he was a kid. The time spent with family was great but as I returned home my heart was overwhelmed by the effects that sin have had on so many I have loved and known over the years. Here is just a sampling.

While speaking to my Aunt I asked her about her five children. Growing up I had spent time with her kids. It was hard to hear the stories of my cousins lives. 4 of the 5 have had multiple marriages. Several were facing the pains of child support and separation from their children. As I began to make contact with my friends who I had grown up with I found that each one of them also had their sad stories. Many of them had failed relationships as well as problems with drugs and alcohol. Yet the hardest and maybe most difficult thing to bear was yet to come.

Before I left I was compelled to speak with my step-father one more time about Jesus. In years past I have shared about how much Jesus loved him and had a plan for his life. Always I have been met with rejection. But I decided to try again. The result was like all the other talks. I would start talking about Jesus and he would try to change the discussion. He did say that he hopes we all get to heaven. In which I responded “there is a way that we can know”. Even my daughter chimed in by saying, “grandpa I want to see you in heaven” Yet this was not enough to break through the pride that has built up over the years. It is hard to think that he is going to miss out on eternity because of a prideful heart.

I now know why God hates sin. It is so devastating. It destroys lives. It not only blinds people to the truth but ultimately will send a person to hell. I certainly do not want to end talking about everyone’s struggle with sin and forget my own. As a believer I am amazed at how much I allow sin to work in my life. I do not have to look far to see that sin is still a constant battle in my life. Yes I know Jesus has saved me from my sin but sometimes I cannot believe how often I sin. The things I allow to enter my thought life are many times downright wicked. Yes I hate sin because it distorts the life God has intended for me.

I do not want to end on a sad note. I have seen the effects of sin in others as well as myself. But I am reminded about God’s redeeming power In my brokenness Jesus has saved me from my sin of the past as well as all future sins. Praise be to His name. I am hopeful that my parents will one day claim Jesus as savior. I am hopeful that my other families and friends who have been devastated by sin will also turn to the great healer of their souls. I know my own struggle with sin has been defeated. And for that I give praise to God. Yes God is to be praised. Sin is devastating But God is Good!!!