Well, it had to happen sooner or later.

Twenty-two years ago this month, I underwent surgery to repair the ACL in my knee. The doctor told me there would be lifelong repercussions, and it finally happened this week. I received the first injection to relieve pain. Eventually, I will need replacement surgery to the joint.

Again, this was inevitable, based on the abuse that my knee has endured through the years. I started playing basketball as early as age 4, though obviously on a small scale. But then I played competitively in high school, in college intramurals, and finally in church leagues until I was 43 years old.

That may not be the wisest thing I have ever done, but I must admit that I enjoyed almost every moment of it.

Still, with the deterioration of the knee, I am paying for actions in the past. That is not at all unlike what happens to all of us in the spiritual realm.

The Bible puts it this way. "You reap what you sow."

The Bible is clear on this issue. God will forgive our sin, and "remove them as far as the east is from the west." And yet, there are those times when we will suffer the consequences for our sin.

That is why it is so important for us to make the commitment to live holy lives. We know that sin is destructive. It hurts us and those around us.

In truth, there is no such thing as "victimless" sin. Someone is harmed any time we choose to disobey what God has told us to do.

I want to encourage you to do two things. First, ask God to forgive your failures. The Bible says that when we confess our sins, "he is faithful and just to forgive our sins …"

Jesus died so that you might be forgiven, but you must ask.

Secondly, choose to obey God. Will you ever be perfect? Not in this life. But you can choose to obey each time you face temptation.

Again, the Bible says God provides a way of escape for us. Seek God and his will everywhere you turn. That is the best route any of us can take.