The Spider in the Bathroom Corner
Posted in The Historical Faith and tagged with Repentance, Sin on January 15, 2008
There’s a spider in the corner of my bathroom. It’s been there for days. I can’t bring myself to do anything about it. I dislike spiders, but I let him be, because despite his long legs, he’s rather non-threatening. I haven’t seen any spiderwebs, and he’s made no move towards me while I’m in the bathroom. He’s moved no more than 3 feet since I’ve observed him, so I’ve gotten used to him, though I still keep a weary eye.If I continue to allow the spider to live in my bathroom, how long will it be until I forget about him? I already sense myself growing comfortable with him and allow myself to glance away more and more. I imagine I could get to the point where I rather enjoy the spider, and even name him.
The problem here is not with the spider. As a part of God’s creation, I should hold no enmity towards him. The problem is with the sins in my life that are like that spider. When I first notice the sin (though it could have been around for some time, just like the spider), I pull back in disgust.
But if I don’t take steps to pull away from my sin and turn to God in repentance, it’s just like letting the spider be. The longer I allow that sin to remain in my life, the easier it is just to allow it to remain. After all, it doesn’t seem that harmless.
Here’s where the analogy breaks down. Unlike the spider, the sin in my life really is harmful. By allowing sin to remain, I’m choosing my own fleshly desires over the glory of my Creator. This impedes my relationship with Him, with other believers, and everyone else I relate to. Sin dulls my desire to be in God’s Word, so I’m no longer growing spiritually like I ought.
Sins don’t often live alone either, they want company. Allowing one sin to reside in my heart opens myself up for others. The longer I allow that spider of a sin to sit their on my ceiling, the more creepy crawlies are going to find refuge in my bathroom. Before long, they will take over to the point where I’m not in control at all.
Are there any spiders in your life?
January 15th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Ronnica – what an excellent, thought-provoking post. Loved it!! Spiders and sin – works for me. :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I definitely have sin in my life that I let linger and that I ignore.
You’re right!
January 15th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I enjoyed the post…but, have you killed the spider yet?
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
What a great metaphor! Although I have a hard time ignoring a spider…
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