God’s Word says, “Let us purify ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness” — 2 Corinthians 7:1

There was a time
when we didn’t think
that sin was sinful.
We thought, it’s just
a little harmless fun.
We thought, I’m just
looking out for #1.
We thought, even if
mistakes were made,
I am not to blame.

Oh if only we knew then
the tricksy nature of our sin!
Fooled, we put on sin’s ring
and sin-wraiths became,
purchasing knowledge
of sin with pain —
personality corrupted,
relationships disrupted,
we faded from life and love,
enslaved, dehumanized, by sin.

But that was not the end.
While still we scoffed at Him
or paid Him little heed,
Jesus bought for us
a second innocence!
And just as we woefully,
shamefully, selfishly,
learned the meaning of sin,
now joyfully unfolds for us
the meaning of His holiness!

Devotional poem © 2016 Michael Himick. Used with permission.