All of the choices we make in life, from big to small, bring with them consequences. One small decision made thoughtlessly in a moment can destroy a family or save someone’s life. Though the choice we make may be a relatively small one, it can have great consequences. It is the same with sin. Our sin, big and small, has consequences that can linger, sometimes a lifetime, and even into eternity.

Sin has consequences

We tend to make two categories for sin. Little sins and large sins. The not-so-serious sins that don’t even embarrass us, to the highly-sensitive and dangerous sins that we hope no one ever learns of.

We think of little sins as less consequential. The half truth, the mean thought, the snarky reply. Maybe anger while driving, frustration with a child, or our quiet judging of others feel small because they don’t seem to bother us and we certainly don’t think about how they will affect us or others very much. But these “little” transgressions are just as evil as the big sins. They are just more subtle.

The people of Israel didn’t think it was such a big deal to keep some of the spoils of war for themselves. What harm could it do? But disobeying God is always a big deal.

All sins will hurt you. All sins will eat away at your love for God and your love for others. Each sin will cause deterioration in your joy and threaten your peace of mind.

But even if we don’t feel those effects, the fact is that all sin, both the big and the small, is rebellion against God, and a fight with Him over who is Lord of your life.

God calls us to live a holy life, to follow His law and delight in His Word, all for His glory.. Therefore sin is an attack on holiness, perfection and God Himself. Since God is holy and just He cannot ignore sin. That would not be just or righteous. Sin must be punished (Romans 6:23). That leaves us with two choices. Either we have to pay the punishment for our sins or someone else has to be punished in our place.

Sin has a conqueror

While there are consequences for all sin and God must punish it one way or another in order to remain just and righteous, He has provided a way out from all of this mess. Jesus Christ, the Son of God came to conquer sin and death. By His death on the cross He willingly took the divine punishment we deserve for the sins we have committed. By His resurrection He has conquered death, bringing eternal life to all who believe.

If we look to Jesus we will not only escape the punishment that we deserve for our rebellion, but He will take those sins and their consequences and use them in a way that is for our good.

If that is not enough, through faith in Jesus we are empowered to overcome our temptations and turn away from sin.

God has provided literally everything we need for salvation and holiness, we just need to trust Him, fight sin, and be confident that over time, we can have victory.

Looking to Jesus,

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Jen Thorn

Jen Thorn grew up in Germany and then spent her teenage years in Africa, where her parents were missionaries. She moved to the United States for college and attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where she met her husband. They have been married for twenty-two years and have four children. Jen lives in the suburbs of Chicago, where her husband is the pastor of Redeemer Fellowship. Jen is passionate about theology and the connection to daily living.