I tried to fix me
But nothing worked. I remember, in years past,
making a conscious decision to try and live holy, but the boyfriend I
had at the time was just not on the same page. Yes, he was saved and
yes, he said all the right things, but in the heat of the moment and in
the dark of the night, he changed. And regretfully I did too.
No, we did not fornicate, but I have always been
convicted about sexual activity that leads to fornication. This
includes, but is not limited to, kissing, touching, and speaking
inappropriately. So I decided I had enough. I spoke to him about my
convictions. I wrote a plan of action which included going out in
groups, respecting a midnight curfew, and reminding each other about the
commitment when the other seemed to “forget.” This worked for a while,
but I soon found myself back in the same rut I had turned away from. Huh? How could this be?
So what’s the cure?
For many of us we’ve heard this all before. We’ve
all tried to fix ourselves. Tried to find ways to cure: laziness in
seeking God, gossiping, walking in fear, overeating, disobedience,
impatience, doubt/unbelief, sexual immorality, apathy, etc. The answer
to all of these issues is complexly simple. It is not just a matter of “not doing,” it is also, and more importantly, a matter of “doing.”
Just making up in your mind not to do something is not enough. You must
replace what you are not doing with something to do. Simply “not
doing” is in fact doing nothing, which is something. And that something
introduces you right back into what you decided not to do.
However, when you commit to “doing,” it replaces what you are not doing
and gives no space, void, or opportunity for the Devil to deter you.
Let’s make a pact
My freedom came years later, when I realized in
order to “not do” I had to read more of God’s word and seek Christian
fellowship for accountability. I dug into the scriptures,
searching for answers on how to live a disciplined life. I read about
Job, Daniel and his friends, and took note of what helped them overcome
temptation. I joined a bible study and volunteered to lead discussions
knowing that I would have to study in order to prepare. This gave me
even more of a conviction to “not do.”
So let’s make a pact to “not do” something by replacing it with something to do!
Maybe yours will be not staying out past midnight. You may decide that
everyday at midnight you read a scripture and write how it applies to
your life or maybe you call a friend to tell them about your day; that way when the clock strikes twelve you are not just “not doing” but you are “doing.”
To experience true freedom from sin, or even just
bad habits, we must commit to DOING what’s prescribed in the word of God
and “NOT DOING” will take care of itself.
- B. Landi
Supplementary Scriptures:
I Peter 2:9
Galatians 5:16-21
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