The Mechanics of Sin
As a vehicle in need of wheel alignment, constantly pulling in the wrong direction, so is the constant gravitational pull of sin and self. Hence, the driving force behind our natural tendency to wander away from the Lord: “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. (Ps. 119:10).
Sin is both self-perpetuating and cumulative; each time we yield to its insidious influence, it increases strength. “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to INIQUITY UNTO INIQUITY…” (Rom. 6:19) [Emphasis mine]. “…iniquity unto iniquity”. The Scriptures are replete with warnings, the world and our flesh subtly lead us away from Christ, and sin leads to more sin.
Just as it takes a constant effort to keep the unaligned car on the road, it requires steadfast resolve to resist the seductive magnetism of the flesh, the world, and the devil to maintain fellowship with the Lord. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul…” (1 Peter 2:11).
The constant negative influence of a godless, decadent society (T.V., the Internet, social media, etc.) incrementally wears us down, “day by day” vexing our five senses…gradually, subtly causing us to backslide.
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” (Rom.6:16-19)