The first sunburn of summer 2020 is in the books.
Year after year, I never learn that my pale Scandinavian skin needs a thick lather of sunscreen… as evidenced by the annual first sunburn of the summer.
Once I suffer through the first searing, and subsequent shedding of peeled skin, I won’t likely burn again for the rest of the summer. In the past, I would claim that I only started to tan after the first sunburn, as that sunburn is the “base” for the rest of the summer’s sun-filled activities.
While there may be some truth in the “base-tan-sunburn,” the reality is the pain of that first sunburn creates a scenario where I remember my sunscreen protection for the rest of the summer.
The same is true with our sinful nature.
As with the sunburn, often our first brush with a particular sin is the “base” for continued sinful activity with or without protection. Sinful scenarios can cause pain. They can cause a tangible reminder of the sin. They can have “peeling” regrowth, as a result.
Also, like the sunburn, our sin can be painful enough that we will remember our protection against it. Essentially we will experience the pain of the sin and subsequently do our best to avoid experiencing it again, as with the use of sunscreen.
What is the sunscreen protection against sin? The Word of God. He’s given us the instruction manual on how to protect ourselves, as well as what to do when we fall short within that sinful nature. This is why it is so vitally important, as Christians, that we are studying the Word and placing it firmly in our hearts. It is the protection that we need.
Remember what Paul shared with us in Romans 6:14 (NASB), “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
Whether your sin/sunburn is a base for further activities, or if it is a stark reminder that you need protection, I would encourage the ladies of the Iron Porch to seek God’s will this week about how best to protect yourself.
~Emily
Iron Porch 