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

Some time ago, I heard someone comment that today’s “decisions determine the trajectory of our lives” and I think that statement contains both a warning and a reason for hope – a warning because a life of poor decisions generally leads to undesirable outcomes, but hope in that a change of direction results in a change in destination.

Consider the words of James regarding temptation. He again points to the internal source of temptation by using the word desire. In our culture, we are faced with all kinds of temptations, but when we give in and pursue desires that conflict with our lives as followers of Christ, we give “birth to sin.” But, do we really think about it in those terms, or do we rationalize our behavior?

Notice that sin may not bring about death right away. On the surface, all may appear to be going well, but on the inside, our foundation is crumbling. It’s not a popular term today, but a life of sin will eventually lead to less than desirable consequences. We may suffer estrangement from the ones we love, we may lose a job and, in the end, we will be separated from God.

Your “desires” may be different than mine, but we can all be sure of this – Jesus is not the Savior who is “unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” He knows what we’re going through and wants us to make choices that honor Him. No matter what happened yesterday, we can start anew this day.