Overcoming Sinful Habits.

"He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Prov. 28:13.

A man entered a bar, bought a glass of beer and then immediately threw it into the bartender’s face. Quickly grabbing a napkin, he helped the bartender dry his face while he apologized with great remorse. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I have this compulsion to do this. I fight it, but I don’t know what to do about it.” “You had better do something about your problem,” the bartender replied. “You can be sure I’ll remember you and will never serve you another drink until you get help.” It was months before the man faced the bartender again. When he asked for a beer, the bartender refused. Then the man explained that he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that his problem was solved. Convinced it was now okay to serve him, the bartender poured him a drink. The man took the glass and splashed the beer into the barkeeper’s astonished face. “I thought you were cured,” the shocked bartender screamed. “I am,” said the man. “He said prior to now I feel so much guilt each time I do that, but since I sought help I still do it, but I don’t feel guilty about it anymore.” Can you imagine that?

I am also compelled to wonder why some so-called Christians never feel guilty about sinning anymore. I guess such mistakenly believe that because they are "under grace" and not the law, their behavior no longer matters, or that grace is an excuse for sinful lifestyles. This perspective, often called "hyper-grace," falsely suggests that repentance is unnecessary because all sins—past, present, and future—are automatically covered. This is a misguided belief that because God declares a person holy and righteous in Christ (positional holiness), their practical daily behavior (practical sanctification) does not matter. They view the gospel as something that only happens in their head, not in their life.

For some, pride and deception, often enabled by the enemy, lead them to a hardened heart that refuses to see their behaviour as sinful. They may justify their actions, compare themselves to others to feel superior, or convince themselves that their sinful habits are acceptable in the modern world. I know that repentance can be painful and requires vulnerability. Some avoid it because they fear that acknowledging sin is a sign of weakness or failure in the eyes of others. They cherish their reputation and image more than they fear displeasing God. Covering or concealing your  sin brings spiritual, emotional, and practical consequences such as death. For those alive, it often leads to a lack of blessing, inner turmoil, and eventual exposure. The Bible emphasizes that true freedom comes from confession and living right thereafter. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

"When I kept silent, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer." Psa. 32:3-4.

"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known." Luke. 12:2.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and salvation. Holy Spirit, I ask for the strength to overcome temptations. Break me free from any form of  bondage in my life and replace my old desires with a desire for righteousness. I receive the courage to confront, defeat and live henceforth according to your word accurately in the scripture. Thank You  for Your promise that if I confess and renounce my sins, I will receive mercy. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a perfect spirit within me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen." 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ezra. 10:1-44.

Neh. 1:1-11.

Neh. 2:1-20.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“You Don't Manage Sin, You Kill It Before It Kills You.”