In March of last year, an oil tanker from Hong Kong named the Pacific Adventurer ran headlong into a tropical storm. The results were disastrous. From a leak in the ailing vessel, almost 250 tons of oil oozed across a 37-mile stretch of Australia’s Sunshine Coast. What’s more, 31 containers of ammonium nitrate broke loose and punctured the ship’s hull. The BBC reported how “environmental experts fear [that] the nutrient-rich fertilizer could cause [damage to] algal blooms, suffocate fish, and kill natural habitats.” What a wide swath of mayhem from one ship being tossed in a tempest!
Scripture often warns of the vast destruction that comes from small and overlooked places. We might think that ruin comes only from the sins that get the most attention: adultery, murder, injustice. For most of us, however, the temptations that undo us will emerge from more subtle corners. As James says, “We all make many mistakes” (3:2).
The writer goes on to state that a small bit in a horse’s mouth will make it “go wherever we want”; and mammoth ships are turned by “a small rudder” (vv.3-4). Nearer to James’ concern was the tongue, that small (usually hidden out of sight) piece of flesh that has the capacity to do great good or great harm. The tongue “praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God” (v.9).
Wise pastors and Bible teachers have taught us that blatant, abhorrent sins rarely arrive all at once out of nowhere. Usually, sins take root after we’ve given ourselves over to long patterns of disobedience as we harbor a heart chilled to God’s voice. Supposed “small” sins do destroy us and others. As we start this new year, let’s make sure we don’t miss the little things that can bring us down.
More:
When sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death (James 1:15).
Next:
What small sins have you allowed to go unchecked? How might these “small” sins lead to destruction? What small sins have you allowed to go unchecked? How might these small sins lead to destruction?
obengdako on January 1, 2010 at 3:34 am
Amen and true (the soundtrack from Casting Crowns – Slow fade) confirms this.
and scripture warns us of this. Lord guide me that i shall not give the enemy a foothold in my life.
shayskin on January 1, 2010 at 10:13 am
Lord give strenthen this day that I made not sin against thee
Give me the spirit of rightousness help me not let the emeny of the world have a hold on my life
As i read this article all i can think about what i dont want to happen in my life
God ges and give all the glory in my life
He prepared me to do what is right
Bless upon the world today
whoami on January 1, 2010 at 6:33 pm
its the first day of the new year…
God protected me of doing a sinful thing…
I think it is just a small thing…
but… i am very wrong…
He reminded me with this devotional and todays reading…
Thank You Lord
KayElAr on January 1, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Small sins are still sins against God. If you start letting yourself slip, committing small sins, you will start to think that it will be okay to committ other sins if you ask for forgiveness. Sin is what keeps humans away from God. Big or small, sins are sins. We should strive each day to be more like Jesus.
jjw2855 on January 1, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Thank you. This is a timely reminder…“A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire”. I have a habit of speaking my mind and getting into trouble. It has caused heartaches for some too.
Few years ago, I remember reading a phrase on the wall hanging in my aunt’s house which said, “Be sure your brain is in gear, before your tongue starts to steer.”
Yes,“We all make many mistakes” (3:2). However, the ‘foot in the mouth’ disease is a dangerous one. So, as the New year begins, I pray.. “Lord Jesus, help me to say the right words and do the right things as per your will”. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 jjw2855 🙂
Angela on January 5, 2010 at 12:05 am
jjw I like that Quote…it will be something i will want to remember..thanks for sharing it. Destruction from small places is very well written. I have shared this with 2 of my friends who are going thru a crisi. i have examined my own life…..
Angela on January 5, 2010 at 12:21 am
Can I ask a question….If a Christian sins and is far away from God…and has realised it is sin and given up the thing they were doing…but feels far away from God…..what could be the reason?
Is it actually not admitting the sin to God, and actively seeking His forgiveness…or saying with pride –yeah it’s wrong , altho it feels so good, so what God! ” u will forgive me anyway ,and i wont be separated in death from you…since i am born again!”
winn collier on January 5, 2010 at 8:44 am
Hi, Angela,
I think there are many reasons we might feel far from God. However, I think that we shouldn’t put that much weight on our feelings. I don’t always feel like I love my wife (nor she me), but that doesn’t change the fact that I do.
Being near God is less about what we do (or get right) and far more about the truth that God has come to us, for us, in Jesus. When we turn from our sin, what this means, simply, is that we are saying yes to God and God’s mercy. If you are saying “yes” to God’s mercy, you can rest in knowing that God’s mercy is yours – and that God is near, whether or not your feel the warmth and nearness.
peace.
riri on January 6, 2010 at 8:13 am
I needed this today. I did not get to read it on New Year’s day, but I read it at the right time, a time when I need it the most. I have some little “sins” that have taken root that I have praying and asking God to help me conquer for the New Year. Thanks for the devotion