Even more devastating to me was the fact that so many people where killed and injured when plenty of warning was given. It is beyond my comprehension why anyone would stay in the path of such a ferocious storm. That is why Katie and I left Pasadena when we heard about hurricane Rita. Rita did not turn out to be as bad as Katrina, but the strength of the storm was obvious on our ride home from Huntington, TX. Power-lines were down, we had to avoid fallen trees in the road, homes were destroyed, and the roof of the CVS Pharmacy, in Kountze, was partially torn off. Areas like Beaumont and Port Arthur felt the full impact of the storm. It will be weeks before people can return to their homes.

The impact of these storms made me think about the destructive nature of sin. The damage sin causes is beyond description. It separates husbands and wives in divorce. It causes strife between parents and children. The wise man tells us that sin separates the best of friends (Proverbs 16:28). Sin can cause irrevocable destruction. It can cause pain that takes years to ease. Even worse, it often effects innocent bystanders, as Achan’s sin did. It cost the lives of 36 Israelite men, besides him and his family, and disheartened the spirit of the people (Joshua 7:1-5).

Peoples’ lives can be changed in an instant because of drug and alcohol use. Incurable diseases and unwanted pregnancies can be born out of two peoples’ lack of discretion. Consider all the damage and destruction that can be caused in just a few hours or by just a few bad decisions. Sin is ugly and unmerciful. It destroys everything in its path.

If the media would cover the aftermath of sin, like they have the aftermath of Katrina, the world would be turned off by sins’ destructive powers. We would be disgusted by the sly schemes of the devil that ruin peoples’ lives. But, unfortunately, the harm of sin is often downplayed or ignored. In fact, sin is glamorized by Hollywood and the media. “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts… He has said in his heart, ‘I shall not be moved; I shall never be in adversity…’ He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see’” (Psalm 10:3-11). Is that not the attitude of much of the world? Sin is not taken seriously. That is why shows like “Desperate Housewives,” and “Sex, Love, and Secrets” are featured by ABC and UPN. God will never see, right?

Just as some ignored the warnings of the hurricane, the warnings about sin often go unheeded. But unlike the hurricane that spared the lives of many who stayed in its path, all who remain in the path of sin will fall victim to the second death. They will, in the words of Jesus, “go to Hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched” (Mark 9:43). Consider these warnings about sin: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27). Paul states clearly, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:26).

We have been given plenty of warning, and it is sad that some take lightly the force of God’s wrath. Some people act as if they will somehow escape the day of judgment altogether. There is no escape, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10). Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 that Jesus will come “taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He says that the wicked will be reserved for everlasting punishment. The fury of God’s wrath is something that none of us can endure.

The effects of hurricane Katrina are, without a doubt, horrific. I cannot imagine what it must be like for children who lost their parents, and parents who lost their children. But the damage of sin is far worse. How devastating it is when parents lose a child to the world of sin. How destructive it is when children watch a parent leave the Lord. How disheartening to watch Christian brethren bicker and fight, rather than join hands to glorify God. I guess what I’m trying to say is that Christians sometimes ignore the ugliness of sin too. We have to see sin for what it really is- the devil’s tool of death and destruction. Let us flee the destructive path of sin, and find refuge in the arms of Jesus.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).