There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12; NIV)

Gluten sensitivity left me bagel-less for five years. I decide to break my streak when, at my favourite soup and salad joint, I’m hit with a craving for the first time in a long time.

Fresh butter; warm toasted bagel. The shining bagel is calling my name. I bite in happily and text my brother to inform him about my decision (he’s VERY anti-gluten). I’m indulging in a little bit of heaven and want him to know what he’s missing. He immediately asks how I’m feeling. I gloat in ecstasy.

That was then. Thirty minutes later, I’m still experiencing the bloated fruits of my labour.

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but we tend to ignore or disbelieve this truth when our lives don’t immediately exhibit any negative side effects. Like a time release capsule, it may take weeks, months or years to experience the true consequences of our actions or inaction.

I’ve been experiencing this firsthand in the area of laziness. I know some of the things that I’m supposed to do, but I just won’t do them. And truthfully, my inactivity really didn’t bother me until I noticed how quickly my savings account had dwindled. Like that heavenly-tasting bagel, my relaxed, lazy ways seemed great until I woke up to the harsh reality of and limited opportunity. Even so, I had recently thrown caution to the wind and returned to the poor, debt-inducing spending habits that I had been working so hard to break. Now it will be even harder to get back on track. Furthermore, the listlessness that comes from not reaching towards your God-given dreams and goals has been more than a little overwhelming.

Anytime we decide to boycott the principles outlined in the Word of God, we experience various forms and stages of death.

Don’t be misled–you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. (Galatians 6:7, NLT)

As I examine my spiritual walk with Jesus, relationships, finances, family, friendships, physical fitness and career, I recognize that I have a lot of work to do in all these areas. Thankfully, though, we have not been left to our own devices.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT).

 I’m grateful to have the Holy Spirit and a community of believing friends that loves me. Sometimes I don’t realize that I’ve been feeling discouraged until I get around the people who care about me the most. I’ve always tried to “fix” the areas in my life on my own, but God didn’t design this Christian life to be lived alone. Some of my dreams have been on the brink (ahem, I haven’t written for months), but thank God for the people He’s sent to pour into me.

Have you identified any areas of death in your life? Ask your Heavenly Father for help. Confess and share your story with someone. We truly are in this together.