What Price Will You Pay for A Good Time?

I met someone a few weeks ago who reminded me of the true cost of sin. He struggled with drug addiction and other destructive behaviors. Because of this, he is now far behind his peers in his career and personal life.

The consequences of his decisions damaged far more than just his body. His dignity, self-respect, financial stability, freedom, and relationships all suffered. Now, he is fighting hard to hold onto his faith and rebuild his life from scratch.

The Slow Slide Into Sin

Many people who do not struggle with drug addiction still find themselves trapped by immoral behavior. They start by going to places they once avoided.

Soon, they stop feeding on God’s Word. They might occasionally read a positive verse, but they ignore the call to holiness and righteousness. They also stop hanging out with Christian friends who can hold them accountable.

Over time, they drift deeper into wrongdoing. They do things they never thought they would do, only to realize too late how empty Satan’s promises really are.

The True Cost of Returning

Even if a person decides to return to God, the road back is long and difficult. They must spend precious time breaking bad habits and wrestling with emotional guilt. Rebuilding their relationship with God, earning back the trust of loved ones, and restoring their reputation takes immense effort.

Sin always leaves scars. A person can repent, live a holy life, and do great things for God, but the past cannot be erased. Many dedicated Christians still carry the emotional pain of their past decisions.

Immorality hurts future relationships and brings deep shame (Proverbs 23:29-35). More than that, it causes spiritual weakness. When you abandon Bible study and fellowship with God’s people, you stop growing, which leads to a spiritual decline.

The Danger of Drifting

It is heartbreaking to see someone lose years of their life to sin and recovery. It is even sadder to think of those who died while they wandered away from God, never having the chance to return.

Some become so entangled in sin that they lose the desire to find their way back. Others want their relationship with God back but lack the motivation to make a change.

Jesus paid the ultimate price to purchase our salvation. When we turn back to a life of sin, we essentially reject His sacrifice and choose our old, destructive ways instead (Hebrews 6:4-8).

As a wise friend often says:

“Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost more than you wanted to pay.”

Pondering the Price

While Proverbs 5:7-14 specifically warns against adultery, its lessons apply to any temptation. Read these verses and think about the heavy price of living a life separated from God:

“And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless, lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner, and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.” (ESV)