Collateral Damage

“As the salt flavors every drop in the Atlantic, so does sin affect every atom of our nature. It is so sadly there, so abundantly there, that if you cannot detect it, you are deceived.” - Charles H. Spurgeon

The whine of chainsaws greeted my wife and me as we entered our normally tranquil creek-side trail for our morning walk. A violent overnight windstorm brought down many old stately trees, and one had fallen across our path.

As we watched the workers cutting and clearing the branches, we realized that two trees had fallen. One was a large oak whose root system had been exposed when recent rains swelled the stream and washed away its support. The other – a smaller hardwood – had toppled and shattered when the larger tree crashed down upon it.

When we fall, there is always collateral damage.

Jonah disobeyed God, and his rebellion endangered an entire ship’s crew. When the sailors discovered the cause of their predicament, Jonah said, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea. . .and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” (Jonah 1:12)

Don’t allow sin to erode the foundations of your life. Falling has consequences, not only for ourselves, but for those closest to us. Use the way of escape God promises to provide (1 Corinthians 10:13) and enjoy His security for yourself and those around you.