Scripture

Sin took advantage of these commands and deceived me; it used the command to kill me. But still the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

Observation

Paul is not saying that the law of God is itself sinful. No, the law shows us our sin. We didn’t know it was wrong to covet until God’s law told us so,

But when we know coveting is wrong, sin immediately causes us to do the wrong thing. The law’s commands bring life, but sin uses the same command to kill us. The law itself is holy, righteous and good.

Application

It is the nature of sin to take what is good and turn it to evil. Although Paul is talking about the Jewish Law here, it is true of any good gift from God.

Sex is God’s good gift, bringing babies into the world and deepening the connection between husband and wife. Sin takes this life-giving thing and uses it to wreak havoc in society through babies born to single mothers, adultery, pornography, prostitution, child trafficking- the toll of human suffering goes on and on.

Drugs, used correctly, are a gift from God for healing, pain relief and many other positive things. But misuse of them causes addiction and health issues, even death, as well as crime and corruption.

Every good gift from God has the potential to be twisted by sin so that what is meant to bring us joy and life brings instead misery and death.

So I need to constantly examine my heart. Do I bring life to myself and others, or do I bring death? Am I walking in the ways of God’s goodness, or am I seeking my own benefit?

Prayer

Lord, I am so aware of the tendency of sin, of my sin, to hurt others and myself. Please help me to live in submission to you. Amen.