When king Ahab of Israel miraculously defeated Ben-Hadad and the Syrians, the Lord delivered the enemy into his hand for complete destruction. Instead, Ahab made a treaty with Ben-Hadad and allowed his enemies to live. Although this may sound like mercy, it was actually ungodly foolishness. “Then he said to [Ahab], ‘Thus says the LORD: Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’” (1 Kings 20:42) Ben-Hadad and the Syrians would be the death of Ahab, not immediately, but years later. (1 Kings 22:1)
One of the worst lies Christians often believe is that we can make peace with sin. We make treaties with our enemy, the way Ahab made treaty with his enemy. And we imagine that this apparent peace can last, but sin will always strike again. Sin, if left alive, will always seek to destroy your soul. The only answer is what Paul says in Colossians 3:5, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” There must be total war waged by the Christian against sin. How do we wage that war? By the Spirit’s power, not our own. (Rom 8:13) Not by law, but by constant remembrance of God’s grace given to us in Christ. (Rom 6:13) And not just by putting off sin, but putting on the new man God has created us to be, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:24)
Christian, the sin that put your Savior on the cross is not worthy of your coddling, your protection, or your affection. Make no peace with it, but crush it underfoot like the soul-destroying enemy it is. "And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly." (Romans 16:20)
