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“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “ – Matthew 6:13
Well, it’s happened again. I start off each year with such a great desire and thorough plan to lose weight, watch what I eat and get back into shape. Like, every other year, by the time we get to St. Patrick’s Day I have resorted right back to my old ways. There is just something that breaks down each year and my will power gives in. Anyone else having the same problem?
This year I swore off of fast foods, soda (pop), and late night eating. I committed to 88 ounces of water a day reduce the carb intake (bagels are a major weakness of mine) while eating more vegetables and fruit. It was all going so well during January, with a few slips in February and now in early March, I’m completely off the wagon again. It’s so easy to say, “Oh just this once, what can it hurt.” Well after saying that everyday for the last two weeks, it has become obvious what can be hurt. The beltline is a little tighter these days, and the energy has dissipated significantly. Hmmmmm…..think there is a connection. Most likely.
Does this remind you of your walk with Christ?
For most of us the correlation is spot on. We come to the alter, arms lifted high, praises upon our lips and we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord with unbelievably great intentions. As we leave the church our hearts are full of His love, the mind is reeling with ideas and plans to take on the world. A new warrior has been born again, ready to serve. The moment of salvation is an incredibly righteous moment in one’s life, where their desire to live for God and impact others for His sake is at it’s apex.
Then a few weeks go by, maybe a few months and the problems in life did not go away. The temptations that haunted us before salvation are still there knocking on the door after salvation. The desires are still there, whispering in your ear. ”It’s not going to hurt anyone or anything” or “Just this once, it’s no big deal”. Giving in seems harmless from a worldly perspective but it weakens the heart and mind from a spiritual perspective.
It takes commitment, resolve and determination to repent from our old ways and charge after the new. The greek word for repent is metanoia which means to change, to turn around. It takes a deliberate action to choose not to partake in the action that demonstrates your commitment to the world and choose to partake in the actions that demonstrate commitment to God. We can’t have both. It is the time to buckle down, focus and re-commit to the One who offers eternal salvation and grace. Giving in to the temptations of life is a big deal and is Satan’s biggest angle to divide us from God’s plan for our life. Guard yourself against the evil one by relying on the Holy Spirit within you for strength to overcome.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
I lift Your name in praise and worship this morning, for You alone are God. There are no others but You with the love, compassion and grace for eternity. I am sorry Lord for my weakness and giving in to temptation, please forgive my transgressions. Strengthen me Lord, that I might become an overcomer and resist the works of evil in my life. Help me to be a beacon of hope to those who cannot see Your love through the chaos and confusion of worldly values. In Your name we pray – Amen
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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