Just don’t do it…..
Since committing our lives to Christ, we have not had to deal with the temptation of drinking, smoking, cussing (maybe a few times – only kidding), lying, or many other weakness of the flesh. It’s not that we have been without struggles. Being born again, they are just not a temptation for us and we have recognized there are just some things better left untouched.
Living in this world, there are many things we have to deal with in which we have no control – i.e. advertisements. While we may have no say in where they are placed, once we visually see their message – if bad – we do have the ability to make a conscious decision not to meditate or stare at them. We are continuously bombarded with faith-challenging TV commercials and sitcoms pressing the boundaries of what is at the core of our faith. While we may have been drawn in with great episodes, once they cross the line, we have made the choice to quit watching and change the channel at the first hint of impropriety. We have walked out on movies at the theater – even though we had taken the time and paid quite a bit of money for the opportunity – it’s just not worth it.
When it comes to our eating habits and controlling our weight, we have determined that there are just some things we do not need to buy at the store. We cannot buy “Cadbury mini eggs” (at Easter) 🙂 – they are better left on the shelf for someone else – we have no self-control in that department. In the battle of the bulge – we just can’t do it. Keeping a few lower calorie snacks helps us to appease that sweet craving without being out of control. We really try to watch what we keep in the house to eat. If we don’t have it, there is no temptation to eat it.
While we rely on Holy Spirit to be our compass on those things that are detrimental to us, we recognize there are just common sense decisions we can make so He won’t have to intervene. We try not to put ourselves in compromising or questionable positions. We know that one of the fruits of the Spirit is “self control” -we have come to realize that in a world where there is almost no control – we need to demonstrate it – sometimes that entails avoiding or walking away from tempting situations.
Posted on April 5, 2012, in Foundation, Little Things, Relationships. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
kingdombizness 
Great words of wisdom that will keep our feet from danger! Let’s run this race with obedience to His word to us. In that place, compromise is NOT an option! Love and bless you friend.
Awesome post and so very True! I speak from experience when i say that I continue to fight the battle of addiction on a daily basis. I have been sober for over 23 years now, thanks to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and a loving, caring God that will never fail me even when i fail him. When I made the decision to turn my life and will over to HIS care, the obsession and compulsion to pick up a drink was removed. I have been blessed with Love Family and a sense of purpose that I thought at one time was not achievable in my Life. I am forever grateful and I make no mistake in knowing that I have a daily reprieve contingent on my spiritual condition!!
Thank You for your help in guiding me along this path..
JS
Amen, friend! Choosing to make a draw on Holy Spirit to go where you’ve never gone before not to have strength to stay away from what you can simply choose to avoid. The Kingdom is simple and brings true freedom!
Excellent article and beautifully put… thank you
Oh heck yes, I love order. There is no better feeling than laying your head on your pillow at night knowing that you have clean hands and a pure heart.