“But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].”
James 1:22 (AMPC)
A few years back, I decided to stop popping my knuckles. For a couple weeks or so, I struggled at various times, with a great desire to start a-crack’n on my knuckles. However, I persisted and can report that I no longer pop my knuckles.
However, as great as that sounds, before I get too proud of my knuckle-popping-habit-breaking-self, I must point out that I haven’t yet broken every habit. In fact, there are different habits that I can’t seem to break.
For instance, I love chewing gum. I can go through a pack of gum pretty quickly. My family gives me a hard time about this. Other habits that are hard to break include having a small piece of chocolate or a sweet after dinner and usually a little too much coffee on Saturday mornings.
What about you? What habits are hard to break?
Now, if we just stopped there and tried to develop a habit-breaking formula, we’re likely to be on our way to assembling the next book outline on how to break bad habits. However, we all know that’s not helpful when we really stop and think about it.
What do I mean?
Here’s what I’m saying: habits are hard to break no matter how you cut it. They just are. We’re people given to vices as well as virtues.
However, we know we can’t just sit back on our laurels regarding the Christian life. We have to press on in godliness, which means fighting sin, seeking a way out of temptation, and, yes, breaking habits that lead to destructive vices and away from godly virtue.
What’s more, there aren’t any formulas. Unfortunately, we all know this as much as we’ve tried to find them in various places. The sad reality is that sin is really crafty.
What do I mean?
Basically, sin masquerades as good or at least satisfying, but it’s really evil and leaves us empty, betrayed, and sad. And when we give into temptation and move forward with sin, we’re essentially walking in insanity. Moreover, if our sin goes too far, we can even be removed from positions of spiritual influence. Take the most recent situation with Steve Lawson, a pastor in Dallas who has now been removed from his pastoral position. Giving into sin and expecting good results is like getting a rattlesnake baby as a pet, thinking it won’t grow up and strike, sinking its fangs deep in our skin, and depositing its venom in our body.
How so?
Well, as Christians, we know that sin damages (1) our fellowship with God, (2) our fellowship with loved ones, friends, co-workers, etc., and (3) our witness to an unbelieving world.
Thus, when we repeatedly sin, knowing at least those three things above and thinking we’re going to get different results, we’re really accepting a lie from the evil one that smells a lot like insanity.
What’s the way forward?
- If you are a Christian, sin does not define you. Never forget this. You are not defined by what you do, whether good or bad. If that were the case, your actions would diminish God’s ability to justify sinners by grace through faith.
- Sin has consequences that may never be remedied. While our sin does not define us, you and I must face the consequences of our sin. Those consequences may be small or significant depending upon the sin and the context of where the sin or sins occurred.
- Always keep your eye and heart on the cross, resurrection, ascension, and mediation of Jesus Christ on your behalf.
Sin is why Christ became a man. He took on flesh to redeem us. He faced death so that He could offer His life for ours. All His friends and followers abandoned Him, but He did not abandon them. No, Christ stayed true to His mission and never gave into sin. He took the curse of Law, so we would not be cursed due to our sins.
Why?
So He could give us the blessing of the Law.
What does that mean?
If you are in Christ, you are (1) a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), (2) adopted into God’s family (Gal. 4:5), and will one day be glorified (Rom. 8:30).
And so, we walk as those who know what sin causes…and confess quickly, appropriately, and entirely when we don’t.
God help us!
— September 26, 2024