We have all found ourselves in those moments when a decision has to be made. Even when the correct moral choice is fairly obvious, it doesn’t necessarily mean that will be the easy one to choose. In fact, it is usually just the opposite.

That is because there is a simple but powerful principle at play in those moments:

Sin looks like life but leads to death.
Obedience looks like death but leads to life.

Sin looks like life but leads to death

Few things seem more satisfying than cursing the guy who just cut you off in traffic, or spilling the juicy secret you promised to guard. Giving in to the temptation seems to, in that moment, offer life. It promises to be the thing that feels good. And we all know that if it feels good than we should do it, right?

The problem is what happens afterwards. What once looked so promising is found only to possess the stench of death. Sure, for a moment it may have felt really good to let that guy have it but at what cost? Sin severs relationships. You can see it play out in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Sin creates distance between you and God, you and other people, even internal conflict in your own heart. Ever notice how once you give in to a particular sin, committing the same sin again gets much easier the next time? Ultimately, what looked to hold the promise of life starts you on a path toward ruin if you allow it to go unchecked.

Obedience looks like death but leads to life

On the contrary, doing the right thing almost always looks like death. Holding your tongue, turning the other cheek, or giving without the hope of receiving in return all have one thing in common. They cost you something. Each of these activities, require you to put the needs of someone else above yourself- an inherently Christian thing to do.

Here is the crazy thing though about the life of faith. Doing those things (practicing obedience) are actually life promoting. Those things are little movements toward growing in godliness. If we persist in them they will ultimately lead us to the full and abundant life that Jesus promises (2 Peter 1; John 10:10).

So, here’s the thing. Don’t be fooled by first appearances when you find yourself in those situations. Hold fast to what you know to be true. Just a few of the things I am working on myself these days.