My Third-Generation Sweet Tooth
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
“If you could weigh the least sin in the scales of eternity, you would run from it as from a serpent and abhor the slightest appearance of evil.” – C.H. Spurgeon
It drives Deanna nuts when I do it, but I still do it anyway…
Every time I enter our local Publix or Winn-Dixie, I make a beeline for the giant scale that is situated near the shopping carts. Of course, before stepping onto the scale, I empty my pockets of my wallet, car keys, and cell phone… as well as anything else that may add an extra pound (or even a few ounces). I then calculate the weight of the clothes I am wearing, usually 2-3 pounds if it’s jeans, a belt, and sneaks.
My reasoning is that I want as accurate a weight as possible. If the scale says 180 or less (after I’ve mentally deducted the weight of my clothes), then I feel good about myself. But if it’s a few pounds higher than that, then I know that I have to watch what I eat for the next couple days and exercise a little more, too.
The alternative, which would be to eliminate desserts from my diet, is not an option because I inherited a sweet tooth from my dad… who got it from his father… and I fear I may have passed it on to at least one of our three kids. Oh well, everything in moderation, right?
Except for sin, that is, which is the point of Charles Spurgeon’s quote today. Far too often, we (including me) rationalize our sin by saying “Oh, it’s only a little fib” or “Nobody was watching”. However, the truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as a little or “white” lie and God is always watching everything we do… and listening to everything we say. He is even aware of everything that we are thinking, so holding a grudge or harboring an evil or lustful thought is not an option.
Back to my third-generation sweet tooth for a minute. When I am debating whether or not to enjoy a piece of cake, pie, or candy, I often ask myself, “Is it worth the calories?” In other words, will the delight it brings to my taste buds outweigh (no pun intended) its impact on my waistline?
Along those same lines, there is no sin – big or small – that is worth damaging our relationship with Jesus. So don’t bother picking it up and if you did, put it back right away.
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
