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Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. - James 1:15 HCSB

Situ was a long, muscular and powerful mamba. He felt as though he were invincible. He could move swiftly, climb trees, swim or even overcome large obstacles by lifting two thirds of his tremendous length by sheer muscular power alone.

He began to pay nightly visits to a farm that had a chicken pen, stealing eggs and sometimes even a small chicken. He had discovered a hole in the side of the wall through which he could squeeze his flexible body. The first time he stole an egg, he swallowed the egg whole as usual and when he came to the hole, the width of the egg stretching his sides kept him from escaping. As he pushed hard against the side of the hole though, the egg crushed inside him and as he made good his exit, he could feel the sweet juices inside the egg oozing into his belly. Delicious! Every night he would go through this process – steal the egg, swallow the egg, crush the egg as he left the building. It got to the point where he could hardly wait for the night to fall so he could have another delicious egg. He even quit hunting since he knew he could depend on getting an egg that night.

Upon investigation, the farmer discovered snake tracks and knew what must be done. Carrying an egg, he went to his house, boiled it, and then returned to the coop to place the now-hard egg in a prominent position next to the hole.

That night Situ returned to the pen and as he slithered into the coop, discovered the egg. “How handy!” he thought to himself. He swallowed the egg and then turned to go out the hole, but discovered this egg was harder to crack than usual. He strained and strained against the sides but not only could he not break this dratted egg, he was now stuck.

Meanwhile, the man, who had been sleeping just outside the pen, heard the commotion among the chickens. He waited a minute or two to let his trap set in and then lighting a torch, he stepped into the coop. There on the floor writhed and wriggled the back two thirds of a great mamba’s body. A machete flashed and the next day the soup pot was one snake richer.

We often enjoy our little sins. That addiction, that relationship, that habit can be enjoyable. There is great physical pleasure, sometimes even psychological pleasure in an illicit sexual adventure. However, when sin grows up to adulthood, it becomes a real killer. Sure sin is fun; but when it’s finished…

Ask God to show you what you are holding on to that is keeping you from becoming more like Christ. Then be quiet for a while and let Him tell you.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Curse is Gone