Read: Hebrews 3:12-19

Exhort one another daily,…
lest any of you be hardened
through the deceitfulness of
sin. -Hebrews 3:13

What happened to the great city of Ephesus? Often mentioned in the
New Testament, it was one of the cultural and commercial centers of its
day. Located at the mouth of the Cayster River, it was noted for its
bustling harbors, its broad avenues, its gymnasiums, its bathes, its
huge amphitheater, and especially its magnificent Temple of Diana. What
happened to bring about its gradual decline until its harbor was no
longer crowded with ships and the city was no longer a flourishing
metropolis?

Was it smitten by plagues, destroyed by enemies or demolished by
earthquakes? No, silt was the reason for its downfall – silent and
non-violent silt. Over the years, fine sedimentary particles slowly
filled up the harbor, separating the city from the economic life of the
sea traders.

Little evil practices, little acts of disobedience may seem
harmless. But let the silt of sin gradually accumulate, and we will
find ourselves far from God. Life will become a spiritual ruin. In the
book of Hebrews we are warned of the danger of "the deceitfulness
of sin" (3:13). James said that the attractive pleasures of sin
are really a mask covering death (1:15).

God forbid that we let the silt of sin accumulate in our lives!
Vernon C. Grounds

Christian, walk carefully, danger is near!
On in your journey
with trembling and fear;
Snares from without and temptations
within
Seek to entice you once more into sin. -Anon.

LITTLE SINS ADD UP TO BIG TROUBLE.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class, Grand
Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.