Perseverance

Sometimes I wish life was just smooth sailing. On the other hand, smooth sailing tends to agitate my boredom quotient. So I start doing something out of boredom that I shouldn't. Call it temptation. Life is good, and in my desire to have more sensation and stimulation, I start to do things that will shake things up. I have a problem with this temptation. Maybe I just don't know how to be content with the good. I'm so aligned with trouble or struggle as a part of my life that I bring it upon myself when it is not there.

My Bible says I should be resisting temptation. Psychologist and Theologian Dan Allender in his book, "God Loves Sex" says that lust, or any of the well known sins: greed, coveting, gluttony, etc, is desire gone mad. And that is what happens to me when there isn't enough going on. My desire goes a little mad, and I fill my life and time with things that should not be there. 

So how do I stop this? I believe Jesus gave me victory over sin when he died on the cross. I believe it to my core. I have been adopted into sonship to steward my victory and freedom. But the practice of stewarding my freedom takes intentionality and persistence. 

James 1 offers practical advice when it comes to battling the temptations of the "old self." First, he says in regard to the battle to persevere in the faith, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). So a major part of the battle to persevere against temptation has to do with knowledge. Later on in his argument he admonishes the hearers of his letter to be slow to speak and quick to listen (v. 19). And instead of allowing impulse of desire to lead to wrong action, we are to "humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you (v. 21)." After listening, we are called to act. 

So here we are. The victory is won through the process of disempowering natural desire and impulsivity, and allowing the Word to speak, acting upon what He says. Over time, the result is actually greater reward, greater freedom, greater Christ-likeness, greater joy. 

I am committed to persevering. Not because I am so resolute and strong, but because I am humbled by my mistakes and ready to be changed by the truth. I hope you join me. I'm hungry for Jesus and for his kids to shine like Him. We can do this through his strength. The end will be sweet, sweeter than we ever imagined.