We are human; we live in a fallen world; we are surrounded by enemies; and—we fail. But we don’t have to LIVE with a mindset of failure. If we are born again, we are already on the winning team, but we still need to learn to properly process failure. What I mean by “failure” is “yielding to the temptation of sin.” It may be failing to do what is RIGHT; or succumbing to what is WRONG—either way—it’s failure. But, there is only one healthy response prescribed by God’s Word and it is called “godly repentance.” (See 2 Corinthians 7:8-11) Jesus taught us in the BE-Attitudes, that we must develop a mindset to mourn sin to the extent that we abhor it and desire to forsake it.
What part of us can we train to hate sin? Well, we have learned that God designed us with a body, soul and spirit. And it doesn’t matter how close we are to God; our flesh is never any better than the day we were born again. We MUST be constantly strengthening our inner man through fellowship with God! Just because we’re close enough to God to feel His presence, doesn’t mean we won’t be blindsided by an old temptation or an even more subtle form of temptation won’t worm its way into our life. I mean, look what happened to Eve in the PERFECT Garden of Eden! The forces of evil seek to destroy us and have a constantly evolving repertoire of evil planned to keep us from experiencing the blessings of God’s presence. God’s Word is so good to warn us:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
We must be super vigilant because the enemies surround us on every side!
For example, there are times when, within the span of a couple hours of time, I go from having amazing God-powered ministry to—throwing a pity party for myself. Why? I fall into old thought patterns or take a ride on an emotional roller-coaster. Who would think that just a simple thought could knock me out of a victory ride—right?!? Other times, I’m sorely tempted in areas I thought I’d conquered. I must constantly be seeking God’s help or I will get stuck inside my head. When we sin and don’t immediately do a 180 degree turn (repent) and develop a hate for that behavior, then we get stuck in a self-destructive cycle. We reprocess the guilt and shame over and over again and fall into blinding darkness.
The terror and anxiety of darkness is where the enemy wants us to live!
But repentance clears our mind. It takes us back into the light of God’s presence. We remember our desperate need for God. After King David’s horrible sin destroyed several lives, he prayed:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
Psalms 51:10-12
David was desperate to go back to the experience of God’s presence. When we have experienced the presence of God, He becomes our greatest need. Our regenerated soul and spirit desire His presence. It is only our flesh that desires sin. And our flesh has a voracious appetite. Jesus reminded us that “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41b) Jesus understands our temptation and HE can be trusted to help us. Indeed, He lived incarnate and conquered all temptation:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:15-16
It is BY and THROUGH Jesus, who gave His life so we could live, that we secure victory over sin. He loves us so much. He gave us the ability to think like He does. In fact, we are commanded to put on the “mind of Christ.” My friend, if you have fallen from His presence, turn back and surrender everything to Him.
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Amen! 🙏
There is nothing more powerful than the grace of God .