Avoiding the "Small" Sins

Small sins, especially those that seem harmless at the time, have a way of ballooning into bigger sins. A classic example is David lustfully gazing at Bathsheba. That seemingly minor infraction quickly snowballs into adultery, deceit, and murder.

Although David's is an extreme example, we all fall into similar patterns of committing small transgressions, which then grow into bigger sins. To this point, Paul cautions that (Galatians 5:9, ESV)

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Likewise, Jesus warns that (Matthew 5:30, ESV)

If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.

Jesus isn't saying much that we literally should cut off our hand. (At least, I hope that's not the message!) Rather, he's commanding that whatever leads to sin, however small, we should completely remove that from our lives.

To avoid those small things that lead to bigger sins, we must remain in constant communication with God. Pray without ceasing!