Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15 NIV
We can make a comparison between sin, and the earth’s gravitational pull; just like gravity pulls us toward the earth, sin pulls us toward the world. As you walk with God, further away from sin, it pulls on you harder, much like the pull of gravity gets stronger the further away the rocket or shuttle gets from the earth in escape of its atmosphere.
Now a rocket or shuttle launch requires much fuel to give it enough power to escape the earth’s atmosphere and gravitational pull. We’ve all seen the awesome videos of the rocket engines before take-off, with those tremendous flames blasting out of the boosters against the launch pad. Once out of the atmosphere, the ship can proceed on course and accomplish its purpose or “mission” without the continuous strain that gravity puts on the vessel.
In a spiritual sense we could consider ourselves the shuttle, the fuel/burn the word of God, the earth “the world,” and gravity the chains of sin.
As we begin our walk with our Lord, it is our desire to escape the grip that sin has on us. Just as the shuttle needs to escape the earth’s gravitational pull to complete its purpose. If there is not enough fuel, or power, the shuttle will crash back down to the earth. Likewise, as Christians, if we don’t strengthen ourselves with the word and prayer, we will remain forever of this world.
Jesus never spoke kindly of this world. As a matter of fact, he was quick to point out that the enemy was ruler of the world – for now. He says:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” John 15:18-19 NIV
Also he states;
“I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me” John 14:30 NIV
What must we do? We must maintain the shuttle – stay in the word. We must be sure we have enough fuel/ burn – this would be our continued prayer and time in his word.
What is the result? Much as the shuttle escapes our atmosphere and its pull, we will be released from the chains of sin and be free to continue our mission, to carry out the purpose and plan that God has for us.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV
Paul then goes on to say:
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV
Breaking free of the hold or “chains” of sin will ensure the receipt of this free gift. The gift of eternal life;
“To know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ the one that he has sent” John 17: 3
Barnabas
Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas.