Death Isn't Instant

In the wake of the horrific massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, millions across the nation have begun a serious dialogue about public violence, domestic terrorism, and what can be done to prevent such a thing from happening again. The reaction to the death was visceral and real - even normally critical thinkers like Stephen Prothero were carried away by their feelings and said some things he would likely reconsider if given the chance. The reason for this reaction was the brutal instant of murder, where young life was meaninglessly snuffed out. But death isn't normally this way. Death is slow. High fructose corn syrup is killing millions of Americans. It is a primary factor in diabetes, which remains a leading cause of other degenerative diseases. It is a slow killer. It is a slow killer, and because of that, people keep chugging their carbonated beverages. The drink tastes so good. And it won't kill you - at least not like black tar heroin can kill you on the first try.

Sin is the same way. There are "black tar heroin" sins (one that comes to mind is smoking black tar heroin) that result in instant death. But most sins are "high fructose corn syrup" sins. Most sins taste really good right now, but kill you just as dead in the long run, both physically and spiritually.

Do you remember the story of Adam and Eve? God promised them certain death if they ate of the forbidden tree. When they transgressed, God did not strike them dead, but cut off access to the tree of life. They were sentenced to die slowly. The man would work himself to death. The woman would bear children. And they died. Eventually. The fruit tasted really good, and it didn't kill them! At least, not all at once.

Don't be deceived. Those little sins that go on for years without seeing consequences are killing your soul, little by little. They are tearing down the image of God in you; they are defacing the divine. They are killing you. Eventually.