Entangled in Sin

Tree branches at Rock Springs Center, Decatur IL

This was a photo taken during a walk on the trails of a local wildlife preserve.  As I gazed into the complexity of the branches vining together, so much that I cannot see the origin of each branch, I find myself wondering how the individual trees became so ensnared by vines that mired together?  What caused this mess of entanglement?  A person walking upon this would find themselves stopped, unable to progress forward.

Sometimes I think sin creeps up on us slowly like the vines that grow on trees.  We start out healthy in our walk, earnest in our faith that God will take care of us, and keep us on the straight path.  But, like a snake, the sin creeps in.  It starts with a small decision to first speak an untruth, or to visit a pornographic website for the first time, or to have the first secret conversation with someone not your spouse, or to have your first drunken party with your friends.  You justify it every time.  This is how the vines of sin enter and begin to twine.  As your behavior progresses, justification becomes easier.  It is when you no longer accept your behavior as sinful and fail to repent, that the sin entangles you.  You are trapped and can no longer progress forward in your walk with Christ.

The vines in the picture would break apart easily if they die.  What would be a good way to break apart the vines of sin that entangle you?

Repent.  It is never too late to repent.  Accept the promise of God's grace.

"You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this city and its people.  You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance.  And I have indeed heard you, says the the Lord." ~2Chronicles 34:27 (NLT)