A Sin Tax

There was a bartender who was fed up with the putrid body odor of one of his regular customers. One Thursday night he confronted him, and bluntly asked: “Do you bathe at least once a week?”

The drunken customer smiled, and replied (unoffended by the question): “I bathe every day, and change the bath water once a week.”[i]

How many things are there in your life that you are certain that an all-knowing God would not be pleased with? You seem to be stuck in a repetitious, never-ending cycle of defeat.

Though you may have quit the problem, you still exist in the environment that could bring the desire back at any moment. In your heart, you know that true change needs to happen in the near future. [ii]

Do you feel like the chorus of this song?

So when will this end it goes on and on
Over and over and over again
Keep spinning around I know that it won't stop
‘Til I step down from this for good[iii]

 The five steps in the cycle of sin happen in the following order:

1.  Rebellion – “No other Gods; only Me.”[iv] Idolatry can take many forms today (possessions, relationships, jobs just to name a few). What (if anything) is taking the rightful seat (of power in your life) that only the Heavenly Father deserves to have? Make things right now.

2.    Suffering – The emotional turmoil (or physical pain) you are currently experiencing might be a direct result of disobedience (or denial) to what the Almighty asks of you. Possibly Job 16:12 describes your relationship with God at this moment in time (as the victim). “I was contentedly minding my business when God beat me up. He grabbed me by the neck, and threw me around.”

3.  Repentance – True change is possible with the Heavenly Father’s unlimited grace (and power). Verse one of this song tells you exactly what the Heavenly Father wishes to do for you.

Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart[v]

4.    Rescue – “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.”[vi]

5.  Peace – This second verse of “My Lighthouse” (performed by Rend Collective Experiment) describes how a person should feel by this stage (if the repentance step was sincere).

If you are not at this, be prepared to feel like laundry in a washing machine. Be prepared because divine “wash, rinse, and repeat” is going to happen continually (until you get it right).

In the silence, You won't let go
In the questions, Your truth will hold
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea

The only true way to break the cycle of sin is to diligently do what is needed to have lasting, true peace with your loving Heavenly Father. This is a definite possibility for you. (You are so close to reaching this spiritual goal. Don’t give up now you’re within view of victory.)

If you’ve seen the 2017 Corolla Toyota commercial on TV, chances are that you’ve also heard the theme song, “You Don’t Own Me” (by Lesley Gore). The visuals with this song seem to imply that it could also serve as an anthem for really semi-irritated women everywhere (usually at men).

I am including the entire song below. Though the author of the lyrics probably never intended this alternative interpretation (I’m about to suggest); please consider it as a determined fight song for someone that has finally gained victory over a sin (or is in the process) in their life (with the Almighty’s help).

Verse One
You don't own me
I'm not just one of your many toys
You don't own me
Don't say I can't go with other boys

Verse Two
And don't tell me what to do
Don't tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display 'cause

Chorus One
You don't own me
Don't try to change me in any way
You don't own me
Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay

Verse Three
I don't tell you what to say
I don't tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That's all I ask of you

Verse Four
I'm young and I love to be young
I'm free and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please

Chorus Two
And don't tell me what to do
Oh, don't tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display

Verse Five
I don't tell you what to say
Oh, don't tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That's all I ask of you

Tag
I'm young and I love to be young
I'm free and I love to be free to live

---

[i] A sin tax is a tax on things harmful to one’s health like alcohol and cigarettes. Should other items be added to this short list? Adapted from www.thefreedictionary.com

[ii] Inspired by the sermon, “Breaking the Cycle: The Cycle of Sin,” Installment Two, Sunday, October 16, 2016,  Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

[iii] From the song “Sick Cycle Carousel” performed by Lighthouse.

[iv] Exodus 20:3. All verses are from The Message unless otherwise noted.

[v] From the song “Lord I Need You” performed by Matt Maher.

[vi] Romans 5:1-2