As I grow older, advertising marketing executives have identified the types of programs men my age are prone to watch. Consequently, I see ads for products that I may have need of, supposedly. One of the curious things about these various products is the list of side effects they enumerate at the end of the commercial. First, the list of side effects is much longer than any symptoms they may cure. Secondly, they go through them so fast, your tendency is to ignore them all because you can’t focus on any particular one.
I am sure they list the side effects because they are required to by law, because if you ever really listen to the potential side effects, you probably would just leave the medicine alone. Basically the side effects of one of these medicines (something designed to make you feel or function better) are anything and everything up to and including death! The point being, most things have side effects, and how well we pay attention may determine whether we choose to engage or not. Sin has side effects.
Sin, like a good prescription medicine, can be intoxicating and addictive. When I had my wisdom teeth pulled, and while rehabbing from knee surgery, I was given a powerful pain reliever. It worked very well at numbing the pain. It also made me loopy, goofy, and drowsy. It rendered my unable to drive safely, hold my head up for prolonged periods of time, or think clearly. I was vulnerable to deception and manipulation, but I was feeling no pain! That is how sin works if we are not vigilant to read the directions.
The bible says the joy of sin is only for a season, which tells us that there is joy in sin! Who didn’t already know that? But that temporary joy brings side effects, and if we are not careful, we can find ourselves spiritually loopy, drowsy, and susceptible to deception and manipulation. Side effects are secondary reactions, both good and bad, and because we are so intent on the primary influence, we tend to skip over or ignore the potential side effects of sin. Hardness of heart, and a lack of conviction, spiritual blindness, inability to focus, resistance to correction or instruction, and many others up to and including being separated from God are all side effects of sin.
We cannot allow our pursuit of a good feeling, or freedom from temporary pain, to put us in a place or condition that we become addicted to bad behavior, thoughts, or emotions. While holding a grudge may make you feel better about a person or situation, the side effects of bitterness and unforgiveness can lead to your spiritual demise.
Obedience has side effects as well however, and they tend to increase life, add to your joy and peace, and bring wholeness. Some of the benefits of following God’s prescription include; confidence with Him, clearer vision and better hearing, an increased resistance to strains of sin, and life that extends beyond the grave.
Pay attention to the side effects of your actions and choices, read the instructions and follow them diligently, for in doing so, you will make better decisions and not be caught unawares when the side effects “kick in”. They come in addition to the intended result, so choose God’s prescription for life and watch Him add to your faith the fruits of the Spirit. Get addicted to Him and stay under His influence.
Everyday God... 