Sooner Rather Than Later.

A friend of mine is currently recovering from surgery. Just a few days ago she was undergoing a lessor treatment in the attempt to avoid the surgery. Then suddenly the doctor came in and said, “We need to do the surgery today.” Although my friend protested the sudden change in treatment plans, the surgeon was insistent and the surgery was performed that evening.

The surgery was completed and the doctor relayed the events to my friend's husband. The reality of the situation had been far more serious than what had been previously believed. Although the initial condition had been dangerous enough, what the surgeon found when he entered her body was an extremely serious problem that could have led to her death within a very short period of time. X-rays and scans had only been able to show part of the internal condition. The reality of what was going on inside her body was truly devastating.

Like the condition that was silently attacking the inside of my friend’s body, sin can have a devastating effect on our spiritual health. It grows inside of us unseen and attacks the very organs that are necessary for our lives. When the church in Corinth allowed sin to continue on within the body of Christ, the apostle Paul gave sharp counsel. The unrepentant sinner and his sin was to be immediately taken out from the body of believers. “[About the condition of your church] your boasting is not good [indeed, it is most unseemly and entirely out of place]. Do you not know that [just] a little leaven will ferment the whole lump [of dough]? Purge (clean out) the old leaven that you may be fresh (new) dough, still uncontaminated [as you are], for Christ, our Passover [Lamb], has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 AMP) The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross paid the ultimate price so that we may be free from sin and its harmful effects. We must see that we do not allow it back into our lifestyles. We celebrate Jesus with pure, clean hearts. ^“Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of vice and malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened [bread] of purity (nobility, honor) and sincerity and [unadulterated] truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:8 AMP)

In our individual lives the same is true. God wants us to live healthy, productive lives. In order for this to occur, we must remain close to the Lord. This is not possible when we are entertaining sin. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18 AMP) We cannot allow sin to remain in our hearts. God will not stop trying to reach us. He will shine a light on the sin that needs to be removed. “Our iniquities, our secret heart and its sins [which we would so like to conceal even from ourselves], You have set in the [revealing] light of Your countenance.” (Psalm 90:8 AMP) In this light the Lord pleads, “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7-8 AMP) The choice is ours. What will we do today?

Trying to hide our faults is never healthy or wise. “He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 AMP) Mercy is granted to those who ask and refuse to continue in their sinful lifestyle. The Lord requires that we give up our own ideas of right and trust His ways. “Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8 AMP) Health and restoration is available.

Being quick to get the sin out and prevent any further damage from its possible effects is critical. “When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].” (Ephesians 4:26-27 AMP) Now is the time to for restoration with God. “For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2 AMP)

All we must do is confess and turn away from sin. “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) Is there any reason to wait and continue to entertain that sin? No, repent now and receive from the Lord. “So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19 AMP)

Health is being restored to my friend’s body as she recovers from surgery. She is alive because she did not wait but allowed the physician perform the needed procedure. The damage of her condition was stopped before it could continue its harmful path.

 Jesus is our Great Physician who heals body and soul. Agree with Him when He urges you to allow Him to take the sin from your life and do not delay. It will save you from greater damage and even death.