It is hard to imagine a day on this side of eternity where sin is completely eliminated from our lives. But when God says “Sin No More” (John 8:11) He means that we are capable through Him to actually sin no more. So why is it so hard? What causes us to sin habitually?
Each day we choose what we do, where we go, what we see and what we hear. If there is something you do not want to hear, for the most part, you can walk away, turn it off or change the channel.
Consider that some people start their day with the alarm clock, springing out of bed ( or after several applications of the snooze button, slowly slide out of bed), shower, get dressed, grab a small breakfast, gulp down the mornings coffee and away to work. While others, as soon as they open their eyes in the morning thank God for life and the beautiful new day. They spend time in God’s word before showering. They are thankful to God for providing breakfast. Ask for God’s protection before the place the car in gear, or venture out of the home and are in constant contact all day with their maker.
We choose how we start our day, how we prepare our minds and how we prepare our allegiance. The question in all situations is “who will I serve?”. In all situations, you can choose to give into sin, or not. The Bible says that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
So when temptation arises, and so often temptation is specifically engineered to appeal to our deepest desires, how do we resist?  Do we have the strength to resist?  If we don’t, are we doomed to give into sin?
I find that many times, we have the internal strength to resist. When we do, we feel good that we have overcome that sin in that moment. But often, we give in and know while giving in that we have crossed the line. After, we feel guilt and shame and wonder, is it possible to be truly dead to sin? The Bible says that God is to be our strength:
Exodus 15:2
“The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God…”
2 Samuel 22:33
“God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.”
Psalm 59:17
Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.
If you find that sin has got you and you have daily struggles with sin addiction, make a commitment to truly serve God. I know it is scary. You will loose things. But you will gain. And the things you lost that you desired will begin to look strange. Tray this daily:
1) Wake one hour earlier than normal and start your day with a prayer of thanks and a request for God’s protection.
2) Spend 30 minutes in Bible study. This shouldn’t be heavy study. If you do not have formal Bible studies, I recommend selecting any of the following to start: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Genesis, Psalms and Proverbs. If you would like to have more structured studies, I recommend visiting Amazing Facts study guide page. http://www.amazingfacts.org/free-stuff/bible-studies/study-guides.aspx.
3) For the next week, change the music you listen to. When I say the next week, I actually mean to start today and eliminate songs that glorify sin. We know the songs. There are so many excellent Christian songs out there, from classic hymns to country, to r&b, rap, easy listening, you name it. On your daily commute, at work, on your portable listening device, at home, change the influences that you allow into your day. It takes only a moment to hear and a lifetime to forget.
4) Start talking to God. Always. God wants to be close to you. There is so much that God wants you to know but it is hard to hear the voice of God when our minds and hearts are not prepared to hear Him. Prayer is good, but talking to God can be while driving, or in the grocery store, even in the middle of a conversation. Practice closeness with God through conversation. This is sometimes difficult at first and often awkward feeling as we hear ourselves speak to God. To some, it identifies daily our need for God and the insufficiency of our lives without Him. But Start with praise, thanking God every time you see His goodness or see His works in your life.
Try these few daily practices. You will be surprised that in a month, you will notice small changes that brings you closer to your creator. When God works in your life, share His goodness toward you with others. It is hard for me not to take credit for the things in my life. My job, home, or car. But these things are blessings from God and for the glory of God. God wants you to have an abundant life to His glory. So be sure as you see grace of God in your life to give Him glory!
God Bless!
