When Harmless Becomes Harmful

Could it be that the little things in your life are the ones quietly steering you off course?

How destructive can the little things be? That passing thought. The white lie. Sticking your toe into dark waters, just for a moment. What harm could it do?

Maybe it’s trying something you know isn’t good for you or doing what you know is wrong while convincing yourself, “It’s not that bad. I’d never cross the line.”

God calls it yeast in dough. “Just a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise. Take out all the old yeast so that you will be a new batch of dough without yeast, which you really are” (1 Corinthians 5:6 NCV).

Why is He so serious about this?

Because Christ took it seriously enough to leave heaven, live a perfect life we often take lightly, endure the beating we deserved, and die to pay for sins we sometimes flirt with.

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7 NCV).

Small things grow. We all know a match can cause a forest fire, yet we take that drink, watch that show, hang with the wrong crowd, slack on discipline, spend too much time on the computer, or allow our mind and heart to drift.

To be honest about it, we have to ask, why are we more drawn to sin than to God on so many days?

The Bible warns us that sin, even in its smallest form, leads to death if it’s not dealt with. “The payment for sin is death, but God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NCV).

It may seem harmless now, but its end is erosion that can lead to destruction.

Little sins also dull our spiritual senses. “Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, where you were slaves” (Deuteronomy 6:12 NCV).

The more we let them stay, the easier it becomes to forget God’s goodness, His holiness and becoming holy ourselves. We forget Christ …

And unchecked sin can harden the heart. “Be careful that none of you has the evil thoughts that cause so much doubt that you stop following the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 NCV).

What starts as a small compromise can grow into a wall between you and Him - and you may never return.

I believe it’s a love issue.

If we loved God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and truly loved others as ourselves, that love would lead us. It would guide our choices. It would cause us to worship, follow, and cherish Him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and live fully in Him.

Lord, help us see the little things before they grow. Holy Spirit, we need You. Please help us surrender the little things. IJNIP amen ♥️