I was reading Jerry Bridges’ book Respectable Sins and came across a phrase in it : “ the expulsive power of a new affection.” Thomas Chalmers preached a sermon with this title years ago. I like this sermon title. It really brings home a thought that we are all aware of :
WHEN WE WANT SOMETHING REALLY BAD, WE FIND A WAY TO GET IT
( or spend much effort trying to make it happen)
We obey our highest desire. I know of teenagers who constantly said they had no money for youth retreats or camps, however, if ( fill in band name) had a concert nearby they managed to find the time and money to make that happen. They applied for scholarships for youth events but would go buy gold necklaces ( etc). I am not just using an example… these things really happened. I have witnessed stadiums full of people on Saturday for a football game and empty pews Sunday morning for a church gathering. Why is this ? People make time ( and pay for) what they value. So, if your spiritual life is lagging and you find yourself constantly beset by sin it’s time to ask some hard questions. What do you value ? What is your highest desire ? My implication is NOT that it is sinful to attend a football game. My point is that we make time for and we can suddenly afford the things we love. I am guilty of the things I am ranting and raving about right now. I have made excuses for my sin and they were just as lame as the excuses that I have been irritated by in others.
So, what now ? Is this just another rant by another frustrated pastor ? Is there hope for change ? Can we really have the type of integrity that we cry out to God for in prayer ?
I believe people can change. What’s the prescription for change ? I think part of the answer is in Romans 8:13
” for if you live according to the flesh, you must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Do you want a fulfilling life that overflows with joy ? Put to death the deeds of the body by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be killing sin or it will be killing you.
( see John Owen “ Triumph over Temptation” )
