Addicting Sin
Did you ever have one of those sins that you seem to be addicted to? That sin that no matter how many times you confess it, or how many times you swear it will never happen again I always does. I know that in the eyes of God a sin is a sin and all sins are equal in that they require a blood sacrifice, but this type of sin is especially frustrating because it makes me feel and realize how weak I really am. I often look at people who are addicted to smoking, or drinking, or gambling, etc. and think “How could they let themselves get to that point? Where is their will power?” But in looking at this addicting sin (whatever it may be for you: gossiping, loosing ones cool, impurity, swearing, etc.) I realize that for me all it takes for it to happen is a split second when I think, “I don’t care.” In that moment it is so hard to be rational or to be reasoned with. The voice which says, “Don’t do it” is up against, in some ways, a person who is not of their right mind. So, how do you fight that though? “I don’t care if I’m gossiping? I don’t care if I’m getting too angry? I don’t care if I’m thinking these impure thoughts?” They say once an addict, always an addict. Is it the same with addicting sin? Can you ever really be free of it?
Your not messing around with these posts. I assume most people can relate to what you are talking about. I know I can.
I have to believe that continuous, sustained victory is possible. If God is not great enough to provide that then he is not great enough to save me. For me I have come to view it literally as an addiction. That means acknowledging I have a problem, finding people to keep an eye on me, and being very careful about avoiding situations where it may become an issue. I guess like an alcoholic is a fool to enter a bar or hang-out with casual drinkers, there are certain things I am a fool to be around even if they are harmless to others.
Lastly, I look specifically for bible verses that speak to that specific issue and I quote them. We are intricately physical and spiritual people, memorizing and quoting scripture really does have an impact in and on us.
What is your strategy?