House of Cards

READ: Isaiah 30:12-18

The winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Have you ever tried to hold together a sinful situation? Living a double life really does take twice the work, and even that is not enough.

The situation can take several forms—a premarital sexual relationship, alcohol or drug use, cheating in a class. You try to hang on—maintaining the sin without suffering the consequences. You don’t realize that each day heats up the situation until, like a boiling pot with the lid latched on, the pressure reaches an explosive level.

The nation of Israel was facing that kind of hazard. In Isaiah 30, the prophet warned them that their nation would crumble like a weak wall or a cracked jar. Eventually, it would erode so that the collapse would be instant and complete.

Israel did not listen, and the nation did suffer the consequences. Rather than turn to God, who wanted them to repent and longed to show them compassion (v.18), they continued to follow their own way. And they paid the price.

Life is full of temptations that draw us toward sin. If we’re not careful, our energies will be spent trying to hold together a situation that we know is wrong. The longer we wait, the deeper we’re drawn in . . . and the more unpleasant when the whole thing finally falls apart.

Have you been testing forbidden waters? Be warned. Sometimes our sin can result in an unplanned pregnancy, academic trouble, even jail when we cross a line that we can’t cross back over. But even though there may be permanent consequences, the forgiveness of God can provide spiritual healing. Let God’s Word tell you about the consequences of that sin—not to mention the good results of staying strong in your faith.

If you’re in deep—get out. Owning up to your sin can be humbling. But it’s much worse when circumstances force you to own up. The weakened “house of cards” that represents a sinful lifestyle can fall at any time. Don’t wait for that to happen. —John Carvalho


REFLECTION

• What was the closest I ever came to getting involved in a situation that almost crumbled around me? (If you’re in that situation right now, find someone you can be honest with and talk through it.)
• How can I make sure that I never get so deeply involved in such a situation (again)?
• Lord, in my own strength, I can be easily deceived and fall into all sorts of sin. Help me to recognize those times when my life is beginning to crumble, and help me to repent.

Deal with sin now or it may ruin your future.

campus journal