Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death
- James 1:15

Anyone who indulges in a sinful thought or corrupt desire should reflect that it may end in death - death temporal and eternal. Its natural tendency will be to produce such a death. This reflection should induce us to check an evil thought or desire at the beginning. Not for one moment should we indulge in it, for soon it may secure the mastery and be beyond our control; and the end may be seen in the grave, and the awful world of suffering.

Sin may bring you pleasure. Sin may bring you wealth. Sin may even bring you a certain degree of satisfaction, power, position, title, devotees and everything else you want. But ultimately sin will only bring you death.

Are you flirting with a person other than your spouse, or committing mental adultery repeatedly in the privacy of your imagination or media? The pleasure of a forbidden relationship may seem tantalizing, but...

"Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death."

Are you tempted to put your service to the Lord on hold in order to accept a much-desired promotion? The pay, the prestige may feel exciting, but...

"Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death."

Have you been holding a grudge against another person, refusing to forgive them for some offense or injury? No matter how right or justified you may have made yourself out to be in your own mind...

Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.

"I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins." (John 8:24)

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die..." (John 11:25)

If sin is truly so serious, so dangerous, so deadly -- why would we ever toy with it at all?