Student Devotion Week 31: King David: The Devastation of Sin

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "¹⁹Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Psalm 101 was written during David's younger years. In it he spells out his position on holy living. He wrote that he'd be careful to lead a blameless life by staying away from evil. He also declared he'd keep a protective eye on the godly and not allow liars to enter his presence. David went so far as to proclaim that even those who served him would have to live a life above reproach.

When David reached middle adulthood, his high standards started to erode. One look at a beautiful woman and David quickly became an adulterer, a deceiver, and eventually a murderer. Sadly, he fell into a pattern of sin without feeling much guilt. Finally, when the prophet Nathan confronted him about his evil ways, David confessed his sin and repented. That's the end of the story, right? Wrong.

Today the entertainment industry floods television, movies, and music with stories of people sinning and suffering no consequences. That's not reality. David was forgiven, but he had to deal with family problems that resulted from his sin, including the death of some of his children and a rebellious son who almost cost him his throne. Look at David's later years if you believe sin comes without a high cost.

Sin is a big deal to God. God forgives freely, but negative consequences for sinful actions still affect not only you and those around you now, but also future generations. As it's been said, you're free to choose your actions, but your not free to choose the consequences of your actions. How you deal with sin is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a Christian.