It’s Just a Little Problem

While on vacation, I had noticed my leg gradually getting sore. A little over halfway through, it became obvious that there was a problem. Fortunately, I was able to get it diagnosed from a video call. They prescribed an antibiotic, and my hiking had to come to an end. All of a sudden, I felt like a nuisance. I couldn’t go out and do everything we had planned, and my wife and daughter ended up having to do more work than any of us had planned. Even packing the car to leave was not an option for me. What happened? Apparently, I am more susceptible to this infection and sometimes all that is needed is a small crack or sore to introduce it to my system. It started off as such a tiny problem and grew into something that sidelined me. It has the potential, if not taken care of to be fatal. Even the small amount I had, made walking very difficult from time to time. Such a small infection can create such big problems. If it wasn’t for the pain, I might never really have noticed how bad it had gotten. If I had waited until we got home to see a doctor, my recovery would have been much greater. It must be taken seriously or else! A constant struggle in our Christian walk is sin. If it seems big and serious, we know we need to do something about it. Too often, the small sins, the unkind or judging thoughts, our justification for our actions, and the like can seem insignificant. No one else even knows it is going on. That is sometimes when it is most dangerous. When I saw the redness on my leg, having had this issue before, I knew I couldn’t wait. We need to understand the same with sin, no matter whether great or small. The thoughts that are left unattended become actions. Even if they remained thoughts, it would still condemn us. We can be good at praying for others and for requests that are on our prayer list, but confession isn’t always part of that prayer. Martin Luther talked about confessing not only the sin that bothers us, but before God, the “small” sins, and even the sin we are not aware that we have committed. Like the infection, we must first identify it and realize its danger. Unlike antibiotics, forgiveness is instant and complete. Father, I am an unclean person with a heart and mind that is prone to wandering. I am sorry. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Amen