Christian, what business do you have with sin? Hasn't it cost you enough already? Burned child, will you play with fire? What! You've already been in the lion's jaws—will you step back into his den? Haven't you had enough of that old serpent? He poisoned your veins once. Will you play at the snake's hole and put your hand near the viper's den a second time? Oh, don't be so mad! So foolish!

Tell me, did sin ever yield real pleasure? Did you find solid satisfaction in it? If so, go back to your old drudgery. Wear the chains again if they delight you. But sin never gave you what it promised, did it? It deluded you with lies. So don't be snared by that old fowler twice—be free! Let the memory of your ancient bondage keep you from entering that net again.

Besides, it runs counter to the designs of eternal love, which all aim at your purity and holiness. Why work against the purposes of your Lord?

Here's another thought that should stop you cold. Christians can never sin cheaply. We pay a heavy price for iniquity. Sin destroys your peace of mind. It obscures fellowship with Jesus. It hinders prayer. It brings darkness over your soul. So why be sin's serf and bondman?

But here is the highest argument of all: every time you "serve sin," you "crucify the Lord afresh and put him to an open shame." Can you bear that thought?

Oh! If you've fallen into some particular sin today, maybe my Master sent this word tonight to bring you back before you've backslidden too far. Turn to Jesus anew. He hasn't forgotten his love for you. His grace is still the same. Come to his footstool with weeping and repentance, and you will once more be received into his heart. You will be set upon a rock again, and your steps will be established.