SEE YOURSELF
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:17, NLT
Theme: Recognizing the Holy Spirit’s direction requires us to notice our own opposing desires.
DECEIVING MYSELF
During the early days of the lock-down, I stopped all forms of exercise. The gyms were closed. However, we had a bit of equipment at home, including a rower and some weights, and of course the great outdoors was available for bike rides or walks. I did none of that, and I put on weight. When I walked up to the big double doors of the Mooresville Campus, I would be shocked at my weight gain. One kind friend said, “Don’t worry! Those doors are more like fun house mirrors. They’re not accurate.” And because I wanted to believe that was true, I did.
When I drive, I am a little bit faster than the speed limit. There are all kinds of self-justifications for this: “You really have to accelerate in the on ramps to merge correctly.” “Going slower than the average flow of traffic can also cause an accident.” “Law enforcement doesn’t really count it as speeding unless you are ten miles per hour over the limit.” I can’t even tell you all my reasons. I do know that even when I have plenty of time to get to my appointment and I set my cruise control exactly at the speed limit, I find myself getting frustrated and impatient, upping my MPH unnecessarily.
THE TRUTH
We tend to create a “picture perfect” view of ourselves, and to project that view to others around us. Wait. Who are we kidding? We know we don’t have it together. And the people closest to us know we don’t have it together. So why are we portraying this perfect image? Specifically, why are we in self-denial? The first step to the truth about ourselves and the sin nature that we all have is to ask the Spirit’s perspective. If I listen to the nudges He is giving (about speeding, or over-eating, or that conversation that crosses the line into gossip), then I can see it His way. Noticing it doesn’t immediately fix my sin problem, but it is the starting place for life-change.
Make It Personal: Is there an area (or areas) where you are disregarding the Spirit’s nudges and ignoring the sin you are routinely engaging in? Now you know some of mine. Just writing them down has made me not only aware, but ready to agree with the Spirit. I am committing to watch what comes out of my mouth, and to drive according to the law. I am committing to pay attention to His direction. Not only will I hear it, but I will stop (or slow down) and obey.
Pray: Lord, give me the ability to hear. Give me the power to follow the Spirit and reject the sin that comes so easily to me. Spirit, I ask for Your Power to overcome. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Romans 8:5-6, 12:1-3; James 1:23-24
Weekly Memory Verse: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)