Good Intentions
Good Intentions
If you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Rom. 8:13)
“I have a confession,” said Emily, picking up her menu. “The reason I asked you to such a late lunch is to keep me away from the television at one o’clock. That’s when the soap opera comes on that I’m trying to quit watching.”
Julie admitted, “I can relate.”
Emily asked, “You’re addicted to soaps too?”
“No,” Julie laughed, “but I’ve struggled with similar temptations. When I became a Christian, the Holy Spirit began to show me some of the sins in my life. I wanted to clean up my act, but it was hard.”
“How did you do it?” asked Emily.
“A wise mentor told me the Bible promises God will do the cleaning up. I just need to cooperate. So I make sure I spend quiet time in prayer and reading my Bible every day. As I find Scriptures that give me strength and hope, I write them on index cards. Occasionally, I’ve told some trusted friends about my struggles and asked them to pray for me.”
Emily asked, “Will you pray for me to lose my fascination with this show?”
“I’ll even show you some verses to stick on your TV!” said Julie.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 that God will sanctify us. He alone can truly change lives from the inside out so the change is permanent and true. Without His help, our attempts to loosen the grips of habitual sins are just exhausting walks down a road paved with nothing more than good intentions. And we all know how far good intentions take us.
If God has pointed out a destructive habit or attitude in your life, commit to turning completely away from it. Do your part and trust God to do His.