Maybe you don't struggle with or think about sin, but I do. And I've come to the realization that most of the time, when I fail to see victory, it's because I've wrongly identified the problem. The real issue isn't lying, pleasing others, indulging myself, or being lazy. The real issue is a sense of discontent and unbelief. I am dissatisfied with what God has provided. What He has given is not what I want, is not good enough, fast enough, extravagant enough.
I want more. I want it now. And I want it my way. And that leads to covetousness, adultery, lying, cheating, stealing, anger, arguments, bitterness, and the list goes on. To address these areas of ungodliness in my life, I need to look below the surface and ask, "What do I want that I'm not getting?" I may even ask, "Where do I expect it to come from?" And, in the end, I must admit that God is the ultimate Giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Someone has said, "If God doesn't meet it, I don't need it."
So if I don't have what I want and think I need, the biblical answer is that there must be something else I need more. What could I possibly need more than _______? In God's way of thinking, I need to be more like Jesus: I need more humility, more childlike dependence, and a greater desire for God Himself. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).
As I struggle with sin, it's a matter of being honest--what do I want that I don't have? And, am I willing to trust God even if I don't get it?
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:12-18)
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| "Please, sir, I want more." |
I want more. I want it now. And I want it my way. And that leads to covetousness, adultery, lying, cheating, stealing, anger, arguments, bitterness, and the list goes on. To address these areas of ungodliness in my life, I need to look below the surface and ask, "What do I want that I'm not getting?" I may even ask, "Where do I expect it to come from?" And, in the end, I must admit that God is the ultimate Giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Someone has said, "If God doesn't meet it, I don't need it."
So if I don't have what I want and think I need, the biblical answer is that there must be something else I need more. What could I possibly need more than _______? In God's way of thinking, I need to be more like Jesus: I need more humility, more childlike dependence, and a greater desire for God Himself. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).
As I struggle with sin, it's a matter of being honest--what do I want that I don't have? And, am I willing to trust God even if I don't get it?
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:12-18)
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