The unmistakable sound of smashing glass shattered the afternoon quiet. When the culprit was found, his excuse was the one favoured by lads of all generations: 'I never meant to . . .It just happened'!

He had not planned to break the window, but by carrying a catapult, he had put himself in the position to do it. So it is with us and sin. We often have the same excuse: 'It wasn't my intention to …' 'It just happened'. Immoral relationships, crime and many serious sins are excused in this manner. But are we any better?

If we hold onto a grudge or grievance and refuse to let God pour into us a spirit of forgiveness, then we are 'carrying a catapult'. When we face the one who has hurt us we are putting ourselves in a position to be bitter and resentful towards that person.

If we allow ourselves to grumble over what we have not got, instead of being grateful for what we do have, then we forfeit contentment. We are, instead, picking up the 'stones' of envy and covetousness, which destroy not only our relationships with others, but our own inner peace.

If, when tempting thoughts come into our minds, we welcome them and fail to immediately claim the help that Jesus promises, then we are carrying the weapons of our own destruction. Resisting temptation is not an easy option. But we can make it even harder for ourselves if we fail to recognize the things that we carry in our lives which pre-dispose us to drifting into un-Christlike behaviour. 

Is there any area in your Christian life where there is a proneness to sin? Ask the Holy Spirit to examine you and point out if you are carrying any 'catapults and stones'. Renounce them and be rid of them! Claim the forgiveness and cleansing that God promises in 1 John 1:9. 
Then steer clear of the places and activities where you were frequently tempted in the past. That way, instead of putting yourself in the position to sin, you will be putting yourself in the position to be blessed. 

© Lin Pearson 2002

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