Sin Grows
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 NKJV.
After a goldfish larger than a man’s hand was found the US Fish and Wildlife Service cautioned those who had exotic fish like goldfish to never release them into lakes, ponds, or waterways. The Fish and Wildlife Service gave a reminder that goldfish are an invasive species. The Service released a statement saying that, “Your pet store goldfish can turn lakes and waterways into murky messes, steal food from native fish and wreck water quality. The goldfish may start out small, but they can become a big problem very quickly.” The Service called the extra-large goldfish a “megalodon.” (March 3, 2025 UPI)
Nova Recovery Center has posted the downward spiral of Parker Jarmon’s addiction. Using pot when he was 13. Using Adderall in the 10th grade. After High School using heroin for six years and selling drugs to buy more drugs. While he was in rehab his girlfriend died from an overdose. It took two, maybe more rehabs to realize being sober was so much better than being trapped in addiction.
Sin is similar to what happens when a goldfish is released into a lake. It grows. Sin is described accurately in the saga of Parker Jarmon’s use of illegal substances. It starts small. We think, “Just once won’t hurt.” But then we sin again, and it is easier to sin because sin grows. Sin continues to grow until it has control of your life.
Ted Sandler post this on Quora: “I’m 72 now and started smoking pot when I was 15. I can say with certainty that every bad decision I’ve made, money I’ve lost, relationships blown, calamities that have occurred all happened because of pot.” That’s what sin does! That’s what our enemy wants as Jesus says in John 10:10a, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Sin is the “thief.”
Why do I include substance abuse in the category of sin? First, because the use of substances like cocaine and heroin is still illegal in this country. Depending on where you live in the US, marijuana may also be illegal. Second, we are told 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” When you ingest what you know is harmful to your body which is the “temple of the Holy Spirit” it is sinful.
We should always do as the apostle Paul said that he did and “…strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men (Acts 24:16).” Because you don’t want to become a “megalodon!”