Suffering And Sin

Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. Isaiah 38:17 

  

  Years ago, when I was a young salesman, I was in the manager’s office with another salesman. Our manager had brought in a rifle that he wanted to show to one of his customers. I and the other salesman starting playing around with the gun, being foolish and pointing it at each other, even though we knew better. Suddenly the other salesman pulled back the rifle bolt and discovered to our chagrin that it was loaded. We were literally playing with a loaded weapon. 

  Those of us who suffer with afflictions of many kinds must be wary of temptation and sin. Suffering can help us regain our focus, put things into perspective, and in some ways free us of sin as we realize what really counts in life. Yet it is also true that we can get caught up in sin seeking to escape our suffering and pain. Many people overdose on drugs, accidentally or not, while trying to ease the pain of their suffering. 

  There are many types of sin that seem tempting when we are in misery. Drugs and alcohol are just one temptation. Anything that can distract us from our pain can seem alluring, and often leads to greater suffering in the end. 

  Like in the example above with my foolish friend and I playing with a gun--sinning is like playing with a loaded weapon.  

  We always have choices in life. It is important that we make the right ones. Our suffering can bring the benefit of clarity and focusing upon what matters most. Yet suffering can also lead us into sin if we do not use wisdom and guard our heart against the unhealthy distractions of sin. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, we have many options in life, guide us to make the best choices and avoid anything that can lead us into sin. Amen.