I don't know about you, but I hate it when I feel like I have really grown spiritually in an area, or feel as if I am seeing victory over an area of sin in my life, only to find myself jumping back into the same sin. Do you ever have that problem? Have you ever experienced this? Tonight I experienced this and I am outright confessing it to anyone who reads this blog.
Tonight I really got a glimpse of what sin is; it is us telling God no, and doing what we want to do, even if we know that it is wrong. It is flat out, wanton disobedience. That is sin. Yes, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to stop or to turn away, but I did not listen. I was blatantly disobedient to God and I confess this disobedience. Sin is so disgusting and it messes us up so easily. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (NKJV)
I am thankful though for the promise of forgiveness found in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NKJV)
The temptation to sin comes in all shapes, sizes, forms, and functions, and the enemy is good at packaging the temptation in a deceptive manner. At other times though, in our weak moments, the temptation comes straight at us and we give in without much of a fight. Please pray for myself and for all of your friends as well though, for strength to stand against the temptations that come our way.
May we all take the words of the author of Hebrews to heart and "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us , and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV).
2 comments:
Yes, Chris, your struggle is not uncommon to man. Unfortunately, our enemy targets our weaknesses, and we must stay vigilant to stay strong.
My personal area of sin is fear and worry. Lately, I have been waking up before my alarm clock with my mind swirling with worries. Panic usually sets in before I think to pray.
This morning, a word picture came to mind. I was 10 years old again and learning how to snow ski. I came around an icy corner and fell down because I felt out of control. As I tried to scramble to my feet, my skis slid toward the edge of what seemed a steep cliff to a beginner. I whimpered and begged my daddy to help me. He stood about 10 feet away on flat ground, telling me I could stand. Yet, every time I tried to get my skis under me, I would slide closer to the drop off. My tears brought my daddy to my side, and his strong arms steadied me as I righted myself.
That is the situation I find myself in currently. I can feel myself sliding toward the precipice of fear and despair. I am calling out to my Father to bring me peace.
Great word picture Dana. It definitely helps put an image to the feelings that I have felt. I completely agree that we need to be vigilant to stay strong in our areas of weakness. My mother and I were discussing this issue this morning, as I complained and whined about falling into old traps and habits, when I fully know to avoid them.
I have found that when I come home, it is very easy for me to become lax and 'comfortable' and thus I let my guard down. So can fully understand the need to be vigilant. I think this word, vigilant, along with diligence need to be key words in my life this new year.
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