6 December | Youth
«But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.» James 1:14-15
Crime is not worth it. Even if someone sees some advantage in it, the price charged to those who venture down this path is extremely high. The cost is loss of freedom or life. See, for example, what happened in the city of Criciúma, Brazil. Thieves robbed a bank and took around eighty million reais. They soon fled, and no one was able to stop them. For them, it had been a success!
However, nothing remains hidden forever. They had escaped, but left fingerprints, blood samples and DNA in several places. Little by little, the police followed the clues and got close. Several suspects spread across the country were identified and arrested. Crime is not worth it. In addition to the robbery being something terrible, the almost immediate consequences of this act were contrary to what the gang certainly imagined. The thieves wanted to enjoy the fruits of their “labor” but ended up behind bars.
In spiritual life, it is the same thing. Sin is not worth it. What is the advantage of disobeying God's law? Illicit pleasures are enslaving and leave a bitter taste of guilt and condemnation. Many people accept the enemy's proposals without realizing that they have fallen into a terrible web. The price of adhering to evil disguised as pleasure is frustration, dissatisfaction, addiction and, if there is no regret, eternal death.
The practice of sin will always take you further than you are willing to go, it will imprison you for longer than you are willing to suffer, and it will demand a greater price from you than you are willing to pay. Even though propaganda is powerful and attractive, it is nothing more than a trap. Everything the enemy offers will always prove a terrible disadvantage. Sin is loss; it is a big illusion.
If you get caught in this trap, cry out for God's power, and get out while there is still time. Seek support from experienced and trustworthy people. The path will not be easy, but Christ has already provided victory!