Today I begin a five-week series while I’ll be looking at Sin, the effect it has on our lives and how we can avoid it. I’m tackling the series because as we get older, we tend to have fewer places where we can speak openly about Sin. There is an unspoken expectation in the Christian world that does you get older you should naturally be sinless, and so many people don’t have a place to talk about it. In turn, they feel isolated, given the devil space to flood their head with lies. In this series, we will tackle those lies as we bring sin into the light.
Craig Groeschel’s book Think Ahead encourages us to live intentionally by looking beyond the immediate moment and considering the long-term implications of our decisions. This principle is especially vital when it comes to sin. Groeschel writes, “What you don’t plan for, you’ll stumble into.” This is a sobering reminder that without foresight and intentionality, we can fall into sin’s seductive traps. Sin may thrill for a moment, but it ultimately kills—our peace, our relationships, and sometimes even our faith. As Christians, we are called to plan ahead to resist the allure of sin and live lives that honour God.
The Deceptive Allure of Sin
The Bible is clear about the nature of sin: it looks appealing but leads to destruction. James 1:14-15 warns us, “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Sin is never neutral. It draws us in with promises of pleasure, success, or satisfaction, but it always delivers consequences far worse than the fleeting thrill it provides.
Think about King David in 2 Samuel 11. He didn’t wake up one-morning planning to commit adultery with Bathsheba and arrange for her husband’s death. His downfall began with a seemingly small decision to stay home when he should have been leading his army. One decision led to another, and before long, David was ensnared in a web of sin. The thrill of the moment led to devastating consequences.
Planning Ahead to Resist Temptation
To avoid falling into sin’s traps, we must think ahead. Proverbs 22:3 states, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Planning ahead involves recognizing the dangers of sin, setting boundaries, and relying on God’s wisdom to guide our actions.
Craig Groeschel suggests in Think Ahead that we identify our vulnerabilities and create guardrails to protect ourselves. For example, if you struggle with envy, avoid spending hours scrolling through social media and comparing your life to others. If you’re tempted by unhealthy relationships, set clear boundaries and seek accountability. “Wisdom isn’t about knowing what to avoid,” Groeschel writes, “it’s about creating a plan to stay far away from the edge.”
The Power of Scripture and Community
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Scripture equips us to recognize sin and resist its pull. Jesus himself used Scripture to combat Satan’s temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When we saturate our minds with God’s Word, we strengthen our ability to discern between what is right and what is wrong.
Additionally, accountability is crucial. James 5:16 encourages us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other so that we may be healed. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who challenge and encourage us helps us stay vigilant and avoid isolation, which is where sin often thrives.
Planning ahead doesn’t mean we rely solely on our own strength to resist sin. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When we depend on God and remain in constant prayer, He provides the strength we need to overcome temptation.
Craig Groeschel’s approach in Think Ahead aligns with the biblical call to “be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy is always looking for opportunities to trip us up, but God has given us the tools to stay vigilant. Through His Word, the support of Christian community, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can avoid sin’s deadly snare.
Living with Eternity in Mind
Sin’s thrill is temporary, but its consequences can be eternal. Conversely, the rewards of living a life that pleases God last forever. Galatians 6:8 reminds us, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Thinking ahead isn’t just about avoiding sin but about intentionally pursuing righteousness and living with eternity in mind.
By planning ahead and relying on God’s guidance, we can avoid the traps of sin and live lives that reflect His glory. As Groeschel emphasizes in Think Ahead, small decisions today can have significant consequences tomorrow. Let’s choose wisely, remembering that while sin may thrill for a moment, it ultimately kills—but Christ offers life, and life abundantly.