Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. - 1 John 2:15-16 NKJV.

To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. - Proverbs 10:23 NKJV.

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” - John 8:34 NKJV.

After the San Juan County Sheriff's Department in New Mexico received a report of a disturbance at a party in an isolated outdoor area, deputies were sent to investigate. However, upon arriving at the scene, they did not find anyone present. While walking back to their vehicle one of the deputies unlocked it with an electronic keyless entry device. When the deputies were a short distance away from their vehicle, Matthew Anderson, 21-years-old, jumped in and drove away before the deputies could stop him. The stolen vehicle was found about three hours later and Anderson was found and arrested not much later walking down the highway east of Aztec, New Mexico. Anderson was charged with theft of the vehicle and obstructing a police officer. When asked why he stole the car, Anderson said he thought it would be fun.

Matthew Anderson somewhat typifies a person who is adrift in life. His priority in life is simply to have fun, because he appears to love the world and “all that is in the world.” Stealing the deputies' vehicle seemed like a fun thing to do or as the writer of Proverbs puts it “sport to a fool.” The apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23, “For the wages of sin is death.” Anderson received some wages for his fun; he paid a fine of $250 plus court costs, was placed on unsupervised probation, and he must participate in alcohol screening, and attend alcohol abuse classes. It could have been much worse for him, but still it was a costly little bit of “fun” that he enjoyed for a few brief minutes.

Actually, Matthew was only being obedient to his master. His master is sin as Jesus says, and his master will continue to allow him to enjoy more of his “fun” along with more of the “wages of sin” being paid to him. As Matthew has more and more “fun” his wages will increase until on his ultimate payday, he receives, “death.” However, Matthew does not have to continue to participate in his “fun.” He can choose a new master and instead of being paid with death, Matthew can begin to receive life, because “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b).”

Just before the writer of Proverbs says, “To do evil is like sport to a fool” he says this, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Unlike living life just to have “fun,” there is no sorrow, no regrets in living your life for the Lord.

If your “fun” has been giving you more and more increases in wages that have been more and more unpleasant, maybe you ought to consider a change in allegiance. Call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:13) and “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).” You will be free, free from the wages of death, and instead of having sin as your master, Jesus will be your master, and He says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).”