The Grip of Sin

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

Romans 13:13–14 NKJV

While reading these verses, St. Augustine had a life-changing experience. Born in northern Africa, Augustine learned about Christianity from his mother. But as a young man, he embraced other religions. Eventually he returned to Christianity, yet he continued to accept worldly standards, even living with a common-law wife.

But concerned about sin, he studied Romans 13. He discovered that this passage led him to probe “the hidden depths of [his] soul.” He asked God to change his life and “a great storm broke within me, bringing with it a great deluge of tears.” He realized he was still enslaved by sin. God answered his prayers. “In an instant, it was as though the light of faith flooded into my heart and all the darkness of doubt was dispelled.”

He found forgiveness, freedom, and cleansing and devoted the rest of his life to serving God and writing two of the most important books in Christian history Confessions and City of God.

Augustine learned how firmly sin can grip our lives, even if we are Christians. The pleasures and attraction of sin can seem overwhelming. But sin has a price. We cannot know freedom while sin rules our hearts and minds.

Today, realize that sin in any form can make you a slave. Ask God to reveal if any sins have taken hold of you, whether it is obvious or subtle, open or hidden. Let Jesus set you free.

Reflection Question: Write a confession of specific sins.