“Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133)

We we’re infested!

Recently we heard a scratching noise in a bedroom wall. We knew it had to be a rodent and we must get rid of it before it damaged the insulation or chewed electric wires. But how? First we knew they had found a way to enter our house and we must find that hole and patch it. Second, we knew they needed food and water to survive and there wasn’t any in the wall; they must leave the house in order to get that. So, we examined the exterior of our house and found where they were coming in and out and set traps there. Afterwards, we plugged up the hole so the invasion couldn’t happen again.

The same with sin!

As I was thinking about rodent infestation, I realized sin operates exactly the same way. It enters secretly through a hole or crack within a person’s life when they let down their spiritual guard. It reveals itself subtly and will grow into a big damaging problem if not caught and eradicated quickly. “Sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:15).

Sin must be fed to survive

To deal with sin, you must recognize it’s presence, trap it, and get rid of it before it gets a foothold.“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5). And, “Do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph  4:27).

And finally

Close up the hole through which sin had gotten in. “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col. 3:5-6).