How to Avoid Gullies of Sin in Your Life

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, May 3, 2022
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
James 1:14 (NKJV)

A gulley in the village had destroyed farms and forced inhabitants to vacate their homes. The ravine had eaten up a huge chunk of the road, interfering with transport and vital activities.

The valley had caused injuries and claimed human and animal lives. The government needed to act immediately, or the community would continue suffering.

From Streams to Ravines

According to older folk, the ravine began as tiny streams of rainwater many years ago. Nobody cared as the small rivulets dug deeper into the soil and became the monster they all feared today.

There is a Swahili saying that goes, “Unless you fill up the crack (in your wall), you will have to build a (whole new) wall. That is what happened in the village.

From Desire to Sin and Death

According to James, sin is a process. He writes, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:14-15).

Sin develops like a gulley. A sinful thought entertained many not lead to evil today. The images we feed our minds with grow and mature before they blossom into open sin.

Watch Your Mind: The Doorstep of Sin

When we finally land into sin, we wonder how it happened but if we reviewed our past actions keenly, we would see the signposts of sin lined up along the way. It all began with an evil desire or thought.

Paul counsels:
“…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).

Prayer
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want my desires and intentions to be under Your control.