“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5 (NKJV)
This morning I talked about dishonoring God by my behaviors. Tonight I want to explore how to get rid of those behaviors. I can’t change my behaviors on my own! That comes as a surprise to some. Well, if I just try harder to not behave that way … but it doesn’t work out. There is no joy in striving harder to be perfect. Perfection is only accomplished through Christ working in me.
The Greek word used in Colossians 3:5 can also be translated as “to deprive the power of” or “to destroy the strength of.” My first reaction when I realize that my mind is going somewhere it shouldn’t is to pray and ask God for the Holy Spirit to help me through the temptation. It is not a sin to be tempted, but it is sin to act on the temptation.
My next response is to open my Bible and ask God to help me find the text(s) that will help refocus my mind on things of God rather than whatever is coming to separate me from my Savior and Creator. I can put on some uplifting Christian music to help my mind enter into the presence of the Lord.
Ultimately, I can make choices to place me in a position where the Holy Spirit can strengthen my connection with God. When I allow God to be in control of my mind, then that puts to death the desires to do anything which is against God’s character.
Listen to Tommy Walker as he sings “Speak to Me.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 12/21/24, 5:00 pm