Lately, my heart has hurt as I’ve remembered a dear friend who died of breast cancer two years ago this past week.  In her short life she touched many and made a profound impact on all those around who met her.

Susan was such an amazing person with a penchant for life! Sadly, her family and friends have been robbed of her contagious laughter and twinkling eyes.  Man, we sure do miss you, Susan!

Of course, I was just one of many friends who were privileged to have been a part of Susan’s life.  With her aptitude to make friends and care for those around her, I would say she has about 20 people who would call her their best friend!  What an incredible legacy to leave behind.

Susan had cancer, but there is a cancer much worse that is killing all of us.

Sin.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. John 8:34

Sin steals our joy, cheats us out of any kind of hope, takes away our peace and eliminates love from our lives.  The worst part is that sin separates us from God.

Sin has a way about it that often makes us want to do it because, well, it looks like a blast!!!  It’s wrapped up in a gorgeous wrapping with a big pretty bow on top enticing us to see what it has inside!  Sin offers an easy route with guarantees of fun, friends, fame and fortune.  Sin LIES….

The lies of sin can include but are SO NOT LIMITED TO:

• It’s not that bad.
• No one is going to get hurt.
• I’m saving them from the truth.
• I’ll make it right later.
• No one will ever know.
• What’s the big deal?
• She did it and it all turned out okay.
• God wants me to be happy.
• God will understand.
• It’s too hard to follow ALL of the rules.

We convince ourselves that it is okay to sin because WE WANT TO DO WHAT WE WANT.

Make no mistake.  Sin leads to death.

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:15

But, God wants us to live in His Truth and free from the chains of sin.  He wants us to want to obey Him and submit to His ways in order to live life and live it abundantly.

I’ve heard many people over the years say that following God is boring, no fun and too hard.  What cracks me up is that the God I know is nothing like that.  Just look at His followers.

• Adam got to name all of the animals of the world.
• Noah took a really long cruise.
• David was a KING.
• Abraham took an adventure of a lifetime.
• Moses led an entire race of people on a journey like no other.
• John the Baptist camped most of his life.
• Solomon met many of the world’s most wealthy and famous people of his time.
• The early Christians got to travel, write, speak and meet many new people.

There is nothing boring about any of the above!!!!  In fact, it sounds pretty fascinating to me!

Unfortunately, even the above mentioned God-followers sinned and had to pay some tough consequences.

The point is they trusted God on most days and did their best to dedicate their lives to His purpose.  The consciously decided to let GOD LEAD THEIR LIVES.

Don’t let sin be the cancer that kills you.

Seek God’s Truth – which can be found in His Word – and follow Him to find perfect joy, hope, peace and love today.

We miss you, Susan!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 28:13 – Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.