Some time ago, a colleague of mine drew my attention to an unusual sight. He said there was a young man at the gate. I asked questions but the answers I was getting were not satisfactory. So curiosity got the better of me and I decided to go and see for myself.
A young man was lying, in the open, on the bare ground. I was alarmed at first but I went close enough to get a better look and I saw that he was breathing.
This incident occurred at a secluded place but a few people had gathered to watch the unusual sight. We wondered;
“What happened to him?”
“Is he alive?”
“Why is he lying like that on the ground?”
“Where is he coming from?”
“Is he sick?”
We had lots of questions but unfortunately, the only person who could answer our questions was the young man himself.
His eyes were tightly shut. He was fast asleep. An afternoon nap is not unusual but his choice of location for the said nap is quite strange.
As we gathered around asking questions and talking, he was oblivious to everyone and everything. He kept turning from side to side; as though he was lying on a water bed in a five-star hotel.
He stayed like that for hours. Those that knew him mentioned that it could be the effect of alcohol. I wondered if it was alcohol alone or perhaps, other drugs were involved.
For security reasons, we contacted the law enforcement agents to report the unusual sighting. They came around and ascertained that there was no cause for alarm. They said after a while, the effect of whatever he took would wear off and he will leave the place.
And true to their words, he later got up and left the place. But he had sand all over his body and had defecated on himself. Flies gathered around him. He was a sorry sight.
I felt sorry for him because surely that was a very shameful experience and I can’t tell how often that happens to him.
Just like the substance he consumed led him to a very deep slumber, so does the intoxicating influence of sin have a very strong grip on an individual. On the surface, it may seem like pleasure, fun, or enjoyment but it brings guilt, shame, sorrows, and lots of unpleasant consequences that outlive whatever pleasure was obtained.
Proverbs 14:34b aptly describes it “…sin is a reproach to any people.”
Sin blinds the eyes from future consequences. You hear of baby mama dramas, people imprisoned, increase in venereal diseases, the list is endless. These are known facts, yet people still engage in different vices and sinful practices.
At the beginning of each year, people make lofty resolutions that fade away in a short time. This is because resolutions cannot bring about a life transformation. Being moral, cannot set a person free from sin and its effects. Societal status and influence do not lead to the desired change. Only Jesus Christ can transform a person’s life.
Apostle Paul succinctly expressed it like this, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” (Romans 7:19-20)
This same man got freedom from the hold of sin, obviously not by his efforts. I present to you the very same opportunity and that is in the person of Jesus Christ. He offers hope that transforms lives.
But you must come to the point where you realize that you need help and that you cannot help yourself no matter how hard you try. Tell Jesus all about your sinful lifestyles and ask for pardon. Then receive the life transformation He offers by accepting Him as your personal Lord and savior. These are very easy steps that lead to a long-lasting life transformation. You should try it today. “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36
A songwriter puts it this way;
There’s room at the cross for you,
Yes, there’s room at the cross for you,
Though millions have come,
There’s still room for one,
Yes, there’s room at the cross for you.
Credit: DCLMHQ
