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Just a Little


It started innocently. Chelsea found a summery fragrance that she loved. A little squirt here and there kept her happy all day. Soon she couldn't smell it on herself any longer so she added several more squirts. Within weeks she increased her daily spraying until she was fully covered in her favorite scent. 

 This is where we met.

 Chelsea greeted me with a hug and I complimented her on her fragrance. It smelled good. At first. Soon after our interaction I realized her scent was on me. It had saturated my clothing, hair, and skin. What smelled good at first soon became nauseating. I couldn't look over my shoulder without being nasally assaulted. As soon as I arrived home I scrubbed my shirt and my shoulder but I could still smell it. I realized it had seeped through two layers of clothes into my bra strap. My bra strap, people! This was a little too invasive and personal for me. 

 Though, being an introvert, the initial hug was a step outside my comfort zone. 

 But now I had been overcome. 

 And that's when it hit me. This is how sin entangles our lives. It starts with us dabbling in something small. A little won't hurt. We become immune to the small things, just like Chelsea, we can't see how a little more could be a problem. We don't think of anyone but ourselves. A little more won't hurt anyone. Meanwhile, the person at the desk next to you at work is suffering a migraine because of your little more. 

 Just like fragrance can saturate, sin can saturate our lives. This is why we must spend time with the Lord each day. Why we must reflect on our actions and attitudes and ask Him to change us. We are to be continually aligning our hearts and lives with His word. The closer we get to Him the further we get from the world, and we protect ourselves from being influenced and deceived. Your sin, your actions, affect more than just you. The decisions you make have a rippling impact on the lives of others around you. Sin will rot and destroy relationships. 

 Be careful what you allow in. Guard your heart and your mind. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Allow His Spirit to guide you and pay close attention to what He is telling you to avoid or engage in. 

 The world is watching, be the light.

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