I Have Always Loved Blackberries. When I Was A ...

I have always loved blackberries. When I was a child, my grandmother would take me out blackberry picking so that she could make one of her famous blackberry cobblers. If you have ever picked blackberries, you know that they are heavily protected by very thorny vines. Grandma and I would prepare for the attack on the blackberries by donning boots, heavy jeans and long sleeve shirts (Keep in mind that blackberries are ripe during the hottest part of summer.).

As we would execute our assault on the blackberries, it became very clear that the vines had a battle plan of their own. One vine would grab my right arm as I reached for a plump juicy berry. About the time I got that one loose, another vine would grab my left leg. As the battle pressed on, the entanglement became more and more hopeless. Eventually, the only way to become free of the vines would be to pull clear of the bush completely.

Sin is much like that. We are enticed by something we enjoy or want. In my case I wanted blackberries so my grandmother could make me a delicious backberry cobbler. As I became more and more involved, it became more and more difficult to get away.

When we are enticed by sin, we soon become entangled. The only escape is to pull completely away through the power of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we be free!