Exterminated

We don't want pesky insects around or in our houses, harmful or not. What do we do? Whatever it takes to rid us of them, using effective products or a pest control service! But others will come, so it is vital to treat our place consistently.

So, why do we let nagging and sometimes life-destroying “bugs” hang around in our lives? They won’t go away by their choosing—and don’t bother calling an exterminator; it is our duty to put down the enemies of our soul. Sins that we let linger will blossom and beget more that separates us from our heavenly Father's fellowship when left untreated. The Holy Spirit will expose such sins, but God does not and will not relieve us of them, though He will help us if we ask. Our duty as believers is to recognize, acknowledge, and confess as sin the actions or mindsets that oppose God’s rule in our lives and expel them. Paul writes that our old foolish way of life and bad habits will destroy us (Ephesians 4:17–24). “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy" (vs. 22–24 NLT). So, stand guard; just like household pests stay at bay only for a season, so do the weaknesses that trip us. Keep yourself “pest-free” with God’s help lest sin’s life-stifling infestation overtake you.