March 31, 2011

That Icky Feeling



Have you ever had the feeling that something you said, or thought, or did was wrong?  Have you ever felt like that little voice we call a conscience just wouldn't let it rest?  I sure have.  And it doesn't seem to matter how old you are, doing stuff that makes you feel, well... icky seems to be inescapable.

You see sin has a way of dragging us down and keeping us there. We might be tempted to think, " Well I blew it so why keep trying to do better next time?"  Or we might be tempted to think, " I am such a terrible person.  How can I call myself a Christian if I keep on sinning?"

To answer the first question we should never take our salvation as an excuse to continue doing wrong.  That is not why Jesus Christ died for us!  We must fight our carnal lusts and desires.

Galations 5: 13 + 16-17:


" For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 


 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want."


I Peter 2: 16 " As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil."

To answer the second question everyone sins!  Even Christians.  The difference is that the Christian is transformed inside with a new nature.  Christians become sensitive to sin and want to stop sinning and live for God.  As Christians it is important that we remember God doesn't hate us.  He hates sin.  Big difference.

God sent His only son to die for us and Jesus obeyed willingly! Once Jesus died on the cross he wiped the slate clean for our lives.  We have authority to go directly to the throne of God and commune with him through the power of Jesus Christ!

James 4: 5


" Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, 'God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us'?"


I John 1: 8 + 9


" If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."


That last verse in I John is not just truth it is a promise.  God always keeps his word.  Never feel that you cannot go to God.  You can! And you should! Especially when you struggle with grief over sins that you committed.  That is your right! God will forgive you!

Psalm 103: 10-14


" He does not deal with us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust."


Sometimes certain sins can become a habit.  We try and try and try to break it but we just can't seem to stop.  This is what it means to be in bondage.  Its like being stuck in a tar pit.  You simply cannot get out by yourself. You need others to come and help pull you out.  This is why its so important to be involved in a local church.

In situations like this it is imperative to have someone, or several people, you can trust pray for you.  You should be praying to God about the problem as well and ask him to direct you to the right people.  

Know your personal triggers.  Anything, no matter how innocent, no matter if it doesn't affect anyone else but you, can keep you trapped in the tar pit.  Know what music, movies, reading, people, etc. tempt you or get you thinking in ways that you know will lead you to sin again.  When you find them do what you can to get them out of your life.  Avoid them at all costs, don't worry if others think your silly. You know your heart and how it affects you. Period.  If you can't avoid all triggers... prepare for battle!

Bondage to sin is spiritual warfare.  If you are experiencing bondage you are under attack!  Take up the armor of God.  Ephesians 6.  Ask God to show you where your armor is weak so that you can fight back! 

Keep close to your heart the promises of God and recite them in your mind and even out loud if you can when temptation comes knocking.

Above all know that God is always with you.  He will fight for you if you call upon Him for help.  Stay humble and keep drawing close to Him and He will stay close to you.  You can have the victory.  Indeed you already have it in Jesus Christ!

James 4: 7 + 8, 10 " Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."


Look! More promises!  Make no mistake God will save us from ourselves if we let Him to do so.

For anyone searching for help online feel free to visit the the link at the top of this blog that says " Breaking Bondage" to find more information.

May God bless you in your daily walk with Him and may you find victory through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

2 comments:

Tracy said...

I'm so grateful for the cross, so thankful that Jesus shed His blood so that I can have forgiveness of all my sins. Grateful that He's given me the Holy Spirit to live inside me Who convicts me of my sin and gives me the power to change. Our God is so good!

Sincerity said...

Tracy: Amen! Amen!