Experts say Singapore may be heading for its worst dengue epidemic.  Singapore’s worst brush with dengue was in 2005, when 14,000 people fell ill and 25 died.  Since January, about 300 people have been infected each week and could possibly double by the middle of this year.  To remove breeding habitats, residents are advised take measures like changing water in vases on alternate days, cover bamboo pole holders when not in use, etc.

This dengue episode reveals a trait in our human nature: in handling life’s dangers, we tend to take corrective measures rather than preventive measures.   Let me be more straightforward: we only start to act against a danger after the danger has wrecked its havoc in our lives; we tend not to view danger as danger if we did not feel its destructive effects.  As a result of this (careless) attitude, we do not take preventive measures.  In the case of dengue fever, Singaporeans are now on the alert after many people have fallen sick.

With regards to the destruction that sin can bring, many Christians also adopt this same (careless) attitude.  Make no mistake about sin; it destroys life: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Gal 6:7-8).  This explains why some Christians have the bad habit of not reading the bible and praying, missing worship service, indulging in sinful lifestyles and not fearing God.  Let me urge you to take preventive measures so that you do not fall into sin.  Even if there is no dengue now, change the water in your vase regularly.  In the same way, take measures to prevent yourself from falling into sin even though you are not feeling now the destruction that can come with sin.

First, you must be convinced in your heart that if you live or indulge in sinful habits which include not seriously walking close to God, you will suffer hurt.  The Bible has already warned us: “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction” (Gal 6:8).  Do you think God is joking when He warns you?!

Second, put into place safety measures to prevent sin.  You must faithfully attend worship service.  It is the most essential measure that ensures a vibrant spiritual life.  Do not miss any part of worship, especially when God’s word is preached.  Hear the sermon with the objective of wanting to understand better that part of the Bible that is preached on that Sunday and to know what God wants you to do about your life.  You need also to have the habit of reading the bible everyday and spending unhurried time praying for yourself, others and the church.

Third, if you know there is a lion in a hotel locked up in one its rooms, I believe you would not want to stay there even if the hotel management tells you not to worry and you are given a 50% discount.  In the same way, avoid situations, places or people that or who can cause you to sin.  I agree that sin lurks in every corner.  It is, however, also true that a person tends to sin more in certain situations.  Flee from those situations.  Do not start sin because once sin is activated, it is unstoppable.  Thus, avoid situations that can activate sin.  Take preventive measures.