Sun 9:30a Class; 10:30a Worship; 11:35a Communion
Bible Bites
Brand Loyalty
“…by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron…” (1 Timothy 4:2)
When an animal is branded, there is an initial burst of pain at the intense heat, but after that, there is nothing. The nerve endings are all burnt off, and the animal no longer feels anything at all where they have been branded.
God warns us that sin has a branding effect. The first lie is immensely painful. The lie brings anxiety, fear, and shame… but the next lie gets easier. The first time a man’s eye wanders, he has pangs of guilt, but eventually the voyeurism of pornography draws him in as he gives in to his lusts. Whether it be cowardice, outbursts of anger, treachery, or deceit… all sin can callous our hearts if we let it.
So, don’t let it! Fight the temptation and fight the callous. Repentance and confession rip the scab off and cause the wound of sin to bleed, but it also leaves room for new growth and healing. The antidote to the branding effect is the vulnerability of confession. Own your sin, and it will not be allowed to own you.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
