Witness Article: Chain reaction

Sometimes all it takes is a small drop of milk to warn you that complete bedlam is lurking
nearby. Not too long ago I came across such a drop of milk. As I looked at it, I did not
recognize it for what it was at first, but it did catch my attention. Little did I know that this
innocent enough drop of liquid was a harbinger of the chaos that would befall me.

This all took place early one morning while I was feeding Joshua. Things were going splendidly,
but then I noticed one small drop of milk escape his lips and dribble down his cheek. No big
deal, I thought to myself. I’ve got a burp cloth here. I came prepared! I’ll just clean it up when
I burp him. What a good papa I’m becoming! I started to drift of, seeing delusional visions of
myself winning “father of the year” awards. All of this distracted me from the steady stream of
spit up and milk that began to burst forth from little Joshua’s mouth. My leg started feeling
warm and cozy, which snapped me out of my daydream, only to realize that wonderful warmth
was fresh spit up all over my leg! It was not long before that spit-up turned into vomit and I was
dealing with a red-faced screaming baby! What began as an innocent enough little drop of milk
ended up turning into a mess for the ages!

Sin, even a sin as small as a drop of milk, can cause a chain reaction that leads to a life of
immorality and godlessness. Even though we are Christians, we often find ourselves caught in
patterns of sin. Sometimes we even try justifying our sin, often by comparing ourselves to
others. I know I shouldn’t gossip, but at least I’m not as bad as (fill in appropriate name here).
(He/she) is the worst! I wish (he/she) would just mind (his/her) own business! I know God will
forgive me if he can forgive (him/her). At least I’m not out murdering! I’m a pretty good person.
And so it goes.

But this is a lie. Do not be caught in sin, no matter how small! As Paul says, a little yeast works
through the whole batch of dough! Even a small sin (if there were such a thing) is unacceptable
before God. And the wages of sin- all sin, no matter the size- is death. All it takes is a “small”
sin to start off a chain reaction, and next thing you know, your heart has become hard and you sin
freely. Paul says of such people:

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is
present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the
destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

Repent of you sinful ways and turn to the Lord Jesus! Only he can put a stop to the chain
reaction of sin!

In Christ,

Vicar Eric