Sin Weaves a Web of Destruction

As I settled down in the living room this morning, I grabbed my laptop, ready to begin my day. I looked up into the foyer and was distraught to see a five-foot stretch of spider web suspended above my furniture. As I examined it more closely, I discovered it was not a single strand of web, but a complex pattern of gauzy webbing. It was not there yesterday. I’m sure of it. I stood in that very spot and folded clothes. That web was not there. I would have noticed, surely!

Now, I’ll admit to you that over the past month, my housekeeping has been irregular. In fact, it’s been almost non-existent. I’ve kept up with laundry and dishes and done the occasional straightening, but overall, my house could use a good cleaning. But still, that web is a bit ridiculous. I mean, good grief, that was one busy little spider (at least I hope it’s little). To have built that complex of a structure in one evening is amazing to me. It almost makes me feel bad about destroying it, but everyone has limits. A few dust bunnies is one thing, but a spider web large enough to have its own zip code. No thank you!

The web reminds me of sin. It starts with a single strand but can become a tangled mess quicker than we can ever imagine. One bad thought. One lousy attitude. One snide remark. One proud look. Before we even realize what’s happening, our “one little sin” has become a large web of destruction. Destruction? Yes, after all, what is the purpose of a web? To snare prey. Although it is unintentional, that is often the result of our sin. Not only do we get caught in a web of our own making, but we could likely snare others as well. Our downfall could lead others to slip too. To think so much damage is possible from one little thread!

My pastor often says, “Keep short accounts with God.” This is great advice. We shouldn’t let our sins pile up. Yes, they’ve already been paid for, but they can still hinder our relationship with God. We need to confess them to Him. Only then can we tear down the threads of the web of sin.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a spider web to remove!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – I John 1:9

In what ways can you keep those sinful webs of destruction under control?