Dams

In life we have rivers for different things. Love and hate, peace and worry, sin and righteousness. And they each flow to and fro our hearts; and it is somewhat of a cycle.

If love is unobstructed and flows in (and there is no dam against outflow), then there is a constant outflow of love. And the more love you channel into your heart, the more love can ebb outward.

Same applies with hate. If we don't dam the inflow of hate(nor dam the outflow of it), we have a constant stream of hatred. And if we channel more hate in, more hate comes out. But, if we try to dam the outflow without trying to dam the inflow, we have only one obstruction. As the inflow persists, the hate-level rises and the pressure on the outflow increases. However, if we dam both inflow and outflow, then the streaming of hatred shrinks and eventually dries up.

On the same note, we can dam up sin. By saying no to the flesh and desires we can dam the outflow of sin, of committing sin. There are two ways to do it, and both ways I think provide an obstruction. Damming the sin-channel flowing outward with your own strength and resources, and damming it with God's strength and resources. When we dam it by ourselves, it is thin, unfortified, and weak. As the inflow continues, our dam breaks frequently and quickly.

However, when we use God's resources in His strength then we can construct a dam that is stronger that the old one.

But, as stated in the case of hatred's channels, if we dam only one side, then the inflow will swell and create enormous pressure on the dam.

So, say we dam the outflow of sin(the committing of sin) with God's resources and God's strength; but we don't dam the inflow(thoughts, entertainment, friends, etc.). The current of sin will swell against the dam against the committing of sin and the pressure will be great and eventually the dam will break and burst forth with unyielding power. However, if we dam both sides, using God's power and equipment, then we have a greater chance of lasting longer without committing sin.

And on side note with that: Dams have cracks and because of that they need constant surveillance and repair. We may dam up the inflow and outflow of sin, but if we aren't mindful of the cracks(small leakage of sin) then eventually sin will work its way through the dam and destroy it. And when that happens, a fast-moving current will be unleashed.

So, build the dam against sin, both the inflow and outflow. Build it in God's power, with His resources. And keep watch over the dam. Don't ever think that because it is constructed you know longer have to worry about sinning. No, watch out for those cracks, those little instances of sin. Be quick to address it and repair it lest it become destruction for the rest of the dam.