Reflection:

Here the Apostle John is speaking about prevailing or habitual sin, or sin as routine, rather than occasionally lapsing into sin. What is your attitude toward habitual sin?

In December 2023 there was a tennis match in Brisbane. The US Open Champion was against Aussie youngster McCabe. McCabe was winning and looking like he had the match sown up when play had to be stopped because a deadly snake was spotted. There was a fear that it might bite one of the ball boys and ball girls. One report said: “A snake catcher eventually captured the reptile — a deadly 50cm eastern brown — and removed it from the venue, allowing play to resume.”

Imagine if that snake wasn’t in a tennis court but was in your home. What would you do? John is saying treat sin in your life like a snake in your home.

Do you have sin in your life as a settled pattern of behaviour, not just a one-off momentary lapse? Like having a snake in your house, you’ve got to deal with it.

Positively, I’ve found that as I keep following Jesus, he changes me. He has changed my thought patterns, my desires, and my priorities. For Christians, ongoing change toward Christlikeness is the new normal — in our being, thinking, and doing.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit I thank and praise you that you are transforming me to become more and more like Jesus. Where I have been tolerant of sin in my life, I am sorry and repent. By you enabling grace I renounce sinful practices and consecrate myself wholly to you Lord and for your service.