Memorize: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Devotional Reading: 2 Kings 5:20-27
Holiness is a virtue I so much esteem because without it, it is impossible to please God, walk with him or serve Him. It is so integral to the person who desires and strives to please God. Our God is entirely Holy that the word “holy” is attached to His Name – “Holy God”. You cannot live a Christian life without having a relationship with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9); but to have a good relationship with the Holy Spirit, you need to understand that He detests sin. Part of His assignment in this world is to liberate you from the power of sin and to help you live above it (John 16:8, Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:16). Two sins entangling a lot of Christians today and fast eroding their character are stealing and lying, they are weights.
Stealing has its origin in covetousness and it leads to betrayal. The life of Judas Iscariot, a man who walked with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, is a case study of this (John 12:6). Achan was another covetous character who attracted penalty of death to himself and his entire family. Today, due to covetousness, even ministers of God are stealing from the Church purse, thereby betraying the huge trust reposed in them by God. Have you been stealing from God or from men? Repent, restitute and turn a new leaf today (Ephesians 4:28)
In today’s Bible reading, Gehazi lied to Naaman and received the gifts his master had rejected. Thereafter, his master sent for him and asked him where he had been. He lied again saying he went nowhere. He however did not get away with that lie. There are lies you tell and it may appear you got away with them, but there are also lies you will tell that will leave their sting on you perpetually. Gehazi lied to his master, his life changed negatively and irreversibly from that day, he also affected his generations after him.
Similarly, Ananias and Sapphira may have told lies in the past and escaped the consequences. However, on the day they lied to Peter, they never lived to tell another lie (Acts 5:1-10). If you consider the punishment that followed the supposedly “little” lie of this couple, many people would be of the opinion that it far exceeded their offence. Why? It is because they see lying as a regular, common sin that is inconsequential if weighed on a scale with “heavier” sins like murder. This is why many people engaged in it, even those who profess faith in the Lord.
Some people have even categorised lies by colours and sizes! If God could bring leprosy on Gehazi and kill Ananians and Sapphira because of lies, it means that He does not take lies lightly as we do. God even says He will exclude all categories of liars from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:8, Revelation 21:27). May God help you to run away from lies and embrace Jesus Christ, the Truth! That seemingly harmless lie has grave repercussions that you may not see today.
I pray that the almighty God will give you the grace to flee from these sins.
Prayer point: My heavenly father, please deliver me from the weights of sin in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Holiness is what exalts a nation and her citizen’s sin is a reproach.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
