The Anatomy of A Fall

We know that sin is generally considered as actions that are immoral on godly standards and know that the desires to sin still lurks around, looking to take a foothold again in the life it once held sway. Being tempted does not mean you have fallen into sin.

Before sin occurs, a thought or an idea is generated in the mind. This thought or idea is formed by a strong desire for a thing. A strong, unhealthy desire for something creates in us, ideas on how to achieve them. If dwelt on long enough, these desires cause us to look for the easiest relief which may be a compromise to what we stand for in Faith. One of the things we need to put in check as Christians is where our desires lie.

Like the song says, it is a slow fade when you give yourself away to desires which compromise your convictions. When black and white becomes grey. If that desire is given enough steam, compromise happens, which births sin.

David saw Bathsheba taking a shower and greatly desired her despite finding out she was his soldier’s wife. He had harbored the thought long enough until his lustful desire spewed out into becoming sin. The sin birthed trouble for him and his household. Sin always starts as an idea, a thought or a desire. This is what it means to be tempted.

At this stage is where we are expected to truncate its sprouting before it takes shape in us, becoming flesh. We kill sin at the thought stage. Another example is found in Genesis 4:7. Cain was furious that Abel, his brother’s sacrifice was accepted by God while his was not. Out of anger, he thought evil about his brother. God told him that sin was crouching in his heart and he had the opportunity to master it before it became real. He did not, and he killed his brother. This action was first conceived in his heart but choosing to not tame the thought, he fell into sin.

The intention of sin does not end at the slip, its aim is death. Death to the Spirit. This is the fall this write up talks about. James 1:15 (AMP) explains that “Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.”

The intention of sin, if not quickly tamed, is to cause a separation between a man and his God such that the man becomes dead to the warnings of the Holy Spirit. He no longer hears, lost in the maze of illicit pleasures that sin brings, and ultimately leading to physical death.

My pastor described the flesh which is often the source of these desires, as the part of our being that lures a man’s soul toward death, leading him to the gates of hell and abandoning him there, while it returns to the earth as dust.

We possess the Spirit of God within us and one of the things He does is to prompt us to know when sin is crouching at the door of our heart. I have learnt over time, and from experience, that just before we compromise, the Holy Spirit puts up warning signs around us. He warns us, reminds us Scriptures that speak against this very thoughts, puts up resistance in our way and blessed is the man who avoids pitfalls as a result of the cautions of the Spirit.

A lot of times though, people compromise. While we should strive to lay aside every sin that easily trips us up (Hebrews 12:1 NLT), we must rely on the strength that the Holy Spirit provides. And if we trip, don’t stay slipping. Approach the Throne of Grace quickly, where you may obtain mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16).

David did this. The moment his sin was called out by Nathan, he ran back to seek mercy. His brokenness is what produced Psalm 51. Despite paying the price of his sin through his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 16:21,22), he found mercy (2 Samuel 11:13) by not being allowed to die.

James 4:6-8 (AMP) explains this clearly saying “But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].’ [Prov 3:34] So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.”

And when we slip, to prevent a fall that leads to death, we must *”Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].”*James 4:8(AMP)

Don’t stay in your sin, find mercy so that grace may be obtained by you in your time of need.