My wife is a popper.

Of zits, that is.

My zits to be specific.

If I get one on my back or shoulder, she will literally tackle me, try to pin me down and pop it. Just a gross and unexplainable hobby of hers. Obviously the zit needs popping. And it’s not like I can use my go go gadget arms to reach it. But oh the pain! Maybe that’s why she likes to do it.

For those of you who have never struggled with acne, let me provide you with some context before I go further. I’m something of an expert. In junior high, I had a slight pimple problem. After being nuked from the inside with medication that is now banned from stores (thanks mom and dad), I was able to rid myself of most of the unwanted visitors on my face. Years later, I do still have the occasional acne sighting.

When you try to pop a zit, it hurts, and the closer you get to popping it the more it hurts. It’s an intense, searing pain that builds, until suddenly, the pressure is gone. Finally, I’m going to get to the point here. Sin is the same. As you try to address your personal demons, they will get louder and claw and bite and fight. Just before you break through, it will hurt like hell. And then … relief.

The problem is most of us turn around and retreat to numbness and comfort instead of pushing through the pain. We let the sin fester beneath the surface, allowing it to grow bigger and stronger, risking infection and further complications.

When you choose to engage sin, it hurts. We just have to be prepared to push, push, push through it.  

I guess when it comes down to it, I’m a popper too!