3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5

All along, Judas knew what he was doing was wrong. Would Jesus have forgiven Judas? Absolutely.

Judas understood clearly that he betrayed Jesus. But Judas wasn’t paying attention when Jesus taught else he’d know that His death wasn’t the end; it was merely the beginning. The hard-hearted leaders didn’t care a wit about Judas, any more than they cared about Jesus. Judas was a just a pawn – a snitch – in their scheme.

Judas obviously was distraught over his actions. But, again, I say his betrayal wasn’t a one or two time action. This was the result of a life of small deceits, tiny cheats, anything to get ahead. You start down that road and after a dozen or more, it becomes next to impossible to admit who you’ve become and what you’re capable of.

Keeping short accounts with God is the only way to be sure that you’re on track with Christ. Thinking about your day, shoring up relationships, considering your language and actions, and giving it all over to God. I can’t count the number of times I haven’t taken that sound advice and regretted it.

Take the time today.