Avoid Deliberate Violations

“Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” Psalm 19:13 NLT

In a story titled “Canadian runner killed during Ragnar relay race on Whidbey Island, WA” published by Fox 13 Seattle News earlier thus week, it was reported that 

A Canadian runner participating in the Ragnar Road Northwest Passage relay race was struck and killed by a driver on Whidbey Island early Saturday morning. The Ragnar Road Northwest Passage is a 193.5-mile team relay race that starts in Blaine, Washington and finishes in Langley, Washington. The event runs July 11-12. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), 55-year-old Hui Li of Surrey, British Columbia, was fatally struck by a driver while running along southbound SR-20 at around 3:31 a.m. What they're saying: Investigators say Li was running in the southbound lane when he was struck by a pickup truck traveling in the same direction. The WSP said drugs or alcohol were not involved, and the crash was caused by a "pedestrian violation." Sadly, a “pedestrian violation” generally refers to a failure by a pedestrian to adhere to traffic laws and regulations while on or near roadways, which makes the story even more tragic—since Li’s death might possibly have been avoided if she had been facing traffic as per the law.  

Unfortunately, deliberately violating laws and regulations isn’t something just runners are guilty of, believers do it too... and it never ends well. This was something King David understood so clearly that he prayed, “Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” He knew that knowingly, willfully, and intentionally doing things contrary to God’s Word, no matter how innocent it might appear, would eventually lead to being a slave to the intentional sin, which would only lead to regret, remorse, and shame later on… possibly even spiritual death. 

So, don’t be fooled my friend. Running in the wrong direction will only lead to ruin. Keep your eyes and your heart set on the Truth, and run to it. This is the only way to avoid the inevitable consequences of disobedience. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are always consequences to violating your laws and regulations. For that reason, keep us from deliberate sins Lord that we might not get tripped up or become disqualified. God we lift up the family and friends of Hui today that are mourning her loss. Be with them. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!