Don't Let Sin Take Control

And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities, and escape us.” 2 Samuel 20:6 (NKJV)

Absalom's rebellion against David marks the beginning of the inter-tribal disputes that lead to Sheba's rebellion. David knows he needs to act quickly because Sheba's rebellion in a country already filled with tension, will divide and weaken it. His commander Joab gathers all of Isreal and chases Sheba to Abel Beth Maakah. He is held up in the city and Joab's men proceed to tear down the walls in search for him. A wise woman knows that the city will be destroyed, negotiates with Joab, resulting in Sheba's head being cut off and thrown over the wall thus saving the city.

Sheba's rebellion represents unchecked sin in our lives that weakens us, causing division. Like David, who saw the results of his sin and Absolom's rebellion, we need to take quick action when sin comes into our lives. Unchecked sin leads to spiritual death, as it separates us from God and destroys our relationship with Him, corrupting our minds and hardening our hearts. 1 John 1:6 says, "If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." This verse emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the truth of God, because we cannot claim to have a relationship with God while engaging in sinful behavior. Like David, we can stop sin and keep it from getting control of our lives.

Choose to do a HEART check daily to keep you from sin. Are you Hurting and experiencing emotional pain? Are you Exhausted and physically or emotionally drained? Are you Angry and it is simmering or boiling over? Are you Resentful and holding on to a grudge? Are you Tense and feeling anxious or tightly wound? If you answer yes to any, address them immediately and give them to God. Attend a faith-based recovery program like Celebrate Recovery weekly so you can give your hurts, habits, and hangups to God and keep sin from getting out of control.