How often are we given choices that should we accept them, contradict the Word of God? Though something may look good on the outside, it doesn’t make it’s good for the inside.
I have a friend who loves ice cream, but every time he eats it, it tears his stomach, not good for the inside. I also know that most women would swear that at the mere sight of a chocolate bar they gain five pounds, and that is not good for the outside. You get the gist. Just because we like it doesn’t mean it’s good for us.
To Eve the apple looked becoming so she took a bite, after all if it was going to make her like God why wouldn’t she want it, right? Her price, do I even have to ask? To David, Bathsheba was beautiful, he had to have her, hence he sinned against God and what a price he had to pay, the death of his baby boy! To Judas Iscariot, the ransom was worth betraying his Master. Thirty silver coins, bought the Potter’s Field; and his life!
The book of Matthew tells the dreadful story.
“Then one of the Twelve — the one called Judas Iscariot — went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over…While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him…
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That's your responsibility.’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.” Matt 26:14 -27:5 NIV
Even though what was written had to be fulfilled, I cannot for the life of me fathom what Judas was thinking. In front of him that night was his Friend, his Teacher, the One who loved him like no other, how could he hand him over so easily, and with a kiss mind you?
Ever heard the phrase, the love of money is the root of evil? It’s plain as day in 1 Timothy chapter 6 verse10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” NIV
When Judas realized what he had done, the Word says he was filled with great regret. He returned the thirty silver coins and then hung himself. That is guilt of the tenth degree. Ouch!
Worldly pleasures most often cause great hardships. Pornography, though pleasing to the eye, devastates a marriage. Unhealthy competition, though it gives a rush, demolishes relationships. Chemical addictions might make a person feel better for a moment, but wipe out a healthy body. Lying covers the truth, but breaks even the deepest trust. A voice raised gets it off your chest, but extinguishes healthy communication. Verbal abuse grants the accuser self-worth, but tears down the spirit of the innocent.
Let’s face it; sin destroys, and it has its consequences. When the commands of God are not honored, the result is crucial. With each sin, comes death.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ps 119:11 KJV
So how can we be certain we are living a life without compromising The Word of God? Study God’s Word; hide it in your heart, and follow the Golden Rule. Then in the face of sin, God’s Spirit will quicken yours.
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