I understand again, perhaps even more deeply and profoundly, the seriousness of sin.

The fact that God, in His mercy, has provided a remedy in the form of a cross can make sin feel lighter….a simple repentance and it is gone.

But the truth is that You are holy beyond anything we can comprehend – higher and wider and deeper. A glimpse of You would burn us down. And sin is caustic, to our souls and to any connection with You. It is beyond serious, it is death to us.

And the remedy came at the very greatest cost, the death of God himself. We just cannot, must not, ever take this lightly. The cost, immeasurable. The benefit, incalculable.

We cannot bear this cost. It is forever paid. But to treat it neglectfully, rather than fearfully and reverentially, is an insult to the One who made us.

Next time our hearts are enticed, may we remember this truth, and not dishonour and grieve you. May we put on the armour daily and stand, resisting and overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6 v13-17