Monday, July 23, 2018

DO YOU HAVE TERMITES?


        A few months ago we heard that a house down our street in Arizona had termites, so I called for a termite inspection on our home. Fortunately the news was good. We had no termites because we didn’t have dampness or wood in piles next to the house. We were told not to worry, but to watch for certain signs.
        Termites are tiny and very destructive. They chew whatever wood they like and are able to weaken even large timbers. Their damage isn’t evident at first, but given time it will be evident. The deck on the neighbor’s house had started to sag, and when the repairman came, he said he needed to eradicate the insects before he could repair or replace parts of their deck.
        People can get bugs in their lives also, not actual insects, but little sins that eat away and damage a productive life. Constant worry, irrational fears, or little bad habits can damage a life, even permanently. This is also true of our spiritual life. Cheating, “little white lies” or theft can be destructive and small, where seemingly innocent wrong doings can cause big problems.
        When God let Israel conquer Jericho, He told people to destroy all living things there and not keep anything from that city. Achan thought no one would miss a few coins or jewels so he took and hid them. When his theft was discovered, God let the Israelites to lose a battle. Achan repented and said, “I truly have sinned against the Lord God of Israel.” A small sin caused a great disaster.
        Our “small sins” can do the same for us, our family or even a community. But the Bible says, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9)
        No matter what we may have done, it is better to confess our sins to God, receive His forgiveness and get rid of our spiritual termites.

Lord, forgive our sins and help us follow You.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

No comments: