DEVOTION – DAY 483

Colossians 3:5 “Sins That Consume Us”

Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

The apostle Paul sets out a few examples of sins that were commonplace in ancient times, as it is today. Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed are sins that people have struggled with. Regardless of our race, religion, social status or wealth, these sins have been affecting people since ancient times. Even for people who do not know the Bible, when they commit these sins, they know in their hearts that they have done something wrong. Faithfulness to one’s spouse in marriage is a universal truth. Thus, anyone who have committed sexual immorality knows that they have betrayed their marital vows. Lust is wanting something forbidden so badly that it consumes the person. The object of the lust becomes an obsession, an idol. Impurity and evil desires contaminate the human heart and translates into actions that people will be ashamed of. That is why the Bible tells us to have nothing to do with such sins – to put them to death. Instead, Paul urges us to put on Christ-like behavior.

In a small town of Maplewood, USA, a woman called Karen Johnson lived a seemingly happy married life. Her husband, John, was a successful architect and her daughter, Emily, was going to University soon. Emily was dating a young man, Jason Miller. However, Karen felt empty inside because her husband was often too engrossed with his work. She spent some of her time on charity projects in church but she remained restless. She found herself increasingly drawn to Jason, her daughter’s boyfriend. She became obsessed with him. She knew her emotions were leading her astray. She knew she should flee from temptation. 

Instead of distancing herself from Jason, she gave him more attention. Jason was flattered by the attention and they soon began a secret affair. Karen knew what she did was wrong but she was too obsessed with Jason to break up the relationship. Before long, Emily found out about their affair. The discovery broke the family apart. Emily told her father, John, causing him to have a fall out with Karen. Emily refused to forgive Karen. She broke off with Jason. Jason was broken-hearted and became withdrawn and suffered a depression. One night, he committed suicide when he thought his world had ended. Karen’s marriage ended and she lost all contact with her husband and daughter. All this was the result of her failure to put to death sexual immorality, lust and evil desires in her heart. It caused ruin to her life and the lives of others close to her. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please help us to put to death sinful and evil desires so that they will not hold our hearts captive. Instead, replace them with desires to please and honor you. We pray in the gracious and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. What struggles do you have that you need the Lord to help you overcome? It could be gluttony, greed, pride, deception, a loose tongue and so on. Share.
2. Why do such sins consume us if they are left unchecked? Discuss.
3. Will you confess and repent of such sins, and seek the Lord’s help and His Word to help you overcome such earthly desires? Will you keep close to the Lord and obey Him?
4. How has the Lord helped you overcome an “idol” in your life? Share.