Genesis 2-3, 2 Samuel 12
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines collateral damage as, “Injury inflicted on something other than the intended target.” In combat situations before the military launches an assault a calculation is made as to how much collateral damage will take place – how much valuable infrastructure will be damaged? How many civilian lives may be lost? If the damage outweighs the benefits, typically a new strategy will be developed so that collateral damage can be kept to a bare minimum.
When someone who’s been living in direct disobedience to God be it through an addiction or some other form of all-consuming sin is finally found out and God drags it all into the light, there will always be some degree of collateral damage. There are loved ones who will be left feeling betrayed. There will be employers who may have to make hard decisions as to whether to keep someone employed. There are friends who will also feel betrayed. There will be untold consequences depending on the situation…financial devastation, jail, divorce, and, sadly at times even death.
Whereas the military can use some precision to keep collateral damage to a minimum, the collateral damage brought about by addicts is widespread. It hits people who don’t see it coming and victimizes people who are not only innocent but have probably been, for a period, loving and supportive towards this person who brings them nothing but heartache time after time after time.
For those who have surrendered totally to a sinful lifestyle, there are a couple of strong motivators driving that behavior forward. Fear. There’s a fear over giving up this thing that seems to bring some degree of comfort even though there’s an understanding that it’s morally wrong, probably unhealthy, and maybe illegal. Then there’s pride. That’s the big one. When I was living the addict’s life, I was convinced I was always the smartest guy in the room; that not only did I have total control over the places my sin was dragging me, but no one was the wiser. My sin was hurting no one.
Until it all but destroyed everyone I loved and cared for.
That’s a dose of humility that I don’t wish on my worst enemy and yet practically every day I meet with people who are so sure they can keep the monster at bay that they just keep on until it blows up in their face. And it always blows up in your face. Scripture tells us very specifically that our sin will always be found out.
The Bible gives us several examples of the impact sin has on the lives of innocent bystanders. You and I are the collateral damage springing from the prideful disobedience of Adam and Eve. When Moses approached Pharaoh presenting God’s demand that his people be released from slavery, Pharoah, full of pride refused a total of ten times and so a total of ten times all the people in Egypt suffered horribly through various plagues. Innocent people whose lives were destroyed by one man’s sin. One man who saw himself as bigger than God.
How about King David? We know how deeply he loved God and how deeply God loved him back but his sin with Bathsheba left in its wake collateral damage that haunted him for the rest of his life. David has Bathsheba’s husband murdered. They baby they conceived together dies. And David’s children end up bringing him nothing but pain and heartache till the day he died. So, the bloodline that leads to Jesus entering the world is loaded with people whose lives were totally torn apart by the sins of other people in that same bloodline.
When the dust settles on the blast zone that occurs in the aftermath of God revealing our sins there is, believe it or not, hope. If you look back at the events, I listed in each of them God’s grace and mercy restores. Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden, but God made a way for them to thrive. It wasn’t the idyllic life He had planned for them, but, true to His Word He did not forsake them.
We know that Pharaoh paid the ultimate price for his disobedience, but God frees His people and in time Egypt will provide sanctuary to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus when Herod is seeking a way to kill Him.
From the rubble of sin, God is always faithful to bring about restoration. But here’s an even better fact. If today you’re in bondage to a sinful behavior it may not be too late to avoid the impact of collateral damage. But you need to cry out for help.
If that’s a situation you find yourself in today, please know that you can reach out to me. If I can’t help you, I can for sure steer you to someone who can.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
In His Service,
Pastor Kevin
919-244-9770
kfobrien317@gmail.com