Every sin has a payoff, such as:

• Gambling
• Greed
• Lying
• Drugs
• Sex outside of marriage

This is why, if we’re honest, we don’t want to give them up.

The reward we experience when we take a wrong turn to engage in immoral behavior can be very seductive. The initial pleasure we experience can blur our once-established boundaries, overshadowing our ability to discern right from wrong.

I wonder, though, how quickly our discernment would improve if our pastor witnessed our actions. Or if our child walked in on us while we were engaging in our dishonorable behavior.

Would we still value the pleasure of our sinful choices? Or would the shame of being seen at our worst change our mind and make us question if the payoff was really worth it?

Most of the time, after we experience shame or consequences for our actions, we seek forgiveness. We fervently promise never to do it again. Much like after we’ve gone off our diet and immediately vow to do better. But, alas, the cravings return, driving us right back to the food we promised we’d never touch again.

What would stop us from making the same behavioral decisions again when we experience the emotions, drive and triggers that snared us so many times before?

We can’t expect to choose differently – unless something changes within us.

What would happen if we started right where we are: recognizing and confessing whatever sin is binding us? And then pray Psalm 51:1-17 with everything we’ve got, especially verse 10 (AMP):

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me?

How would it change us if we actually trusted God to give us a new heart? To create in us a spirit steadfastly committed to make different choices? Not only because we dread the consequences, but because we love God more than any payoff the behavior affords.

Conceivably, by God’s grace, we’ll desire the God-honoring choices more and more often.

Then, after God restores us, rather than feeling shame, we’ll feel empowered – because we’ve witnessed and experienced His transforming grace in us.

And just maybe, God will allow us to help someone else who’s taken a wrong turn find their way back to Him.

What do you think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)

• How would it change you if you started right where you are and recognized and confessed whatever sin is binding you?
• And then prayed Psalm 51:1-17 with everything you’ve got, especially verse 10 (AMP)?
• How would it change your relationships?
• How would it change your life?

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