Don’t Be Surprised by Sin—Be Ready for It

Daily Devotional

Reconciling One’s Self to the Fact of Sin

It’s not sin itself that catches most of us off guard.
It’s our refusal to acknowledge its power.

We like to believe in the best in people—and that’s fine.
But when we deny the reality of sin, we leave ourselves vulnerable to its deception.

Sin isn’t a mistake to manage.
It’s a power—and Jesus called it by name: “This is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

If you don’t reconcile yourself to this reality, you’ll compromise the moment it confronts you.
You’ll explain it away.
You’ll tolerate what you were meant to confront.
And eventually, you’ll surrender ground God called you to stand on.

Kingdom Discipleship: A Word from Pastor Kevin

Sons and daughters,
We must stop approaching life with a romantic view of human nature and start living with a sober view of sin.

Jesus didn’t trust people—but He loved them.
He didn’t ignore human weakness—but He died to redeem it.

That’s the posture we’re called to carry:
Not cynicism.
Not suspicion.
But wisdom, rooted in the recognition that sin is real, present, and active.

You’re not called to be innocent.
You’re called to be pure.
And purity isn’t naivety—it’s clarity.
It’s knowing what sin looks like and choosing righteousness anyway.

When you stop being surprised by the darkness, you start walking with the kind of light that knows how to stand against it.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Have I been underestimating the presence and power of sin in my life or in others?

• Do I confuse innocence with purity?

• How can I be more watchful without becoming cynical?