Beating the evil inclinations

‘Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’  (Romans 12:21)

So, to put it another way, ‘Do not let sin or evil conquer you, but you can conquer sin and evil by doing something else: do something that is good.’

Sin is a weapon. Unrighteous thoughts, wrong desires, or wrong intentions are a weapon against your own soul. These are not simply passive emotions or alternatives to doing what is good and right. They are weapons that are self-inflicting, hurting you just as much, if not more than they actually damage anyone else.

Every day we are faced with temptation and opportunities to do what our flesh wants to do, even though we know it is wrong in the sight of God. It can be a real battle at times, but God always makes a way to escape it, and sometimes that way of escape is simply to do something quite opposite to what you were being drawn into.

All of us face such daily challenges in our lives, and especially more so when you really want to follow the way of the Lord.

Now, if you give in to sin, then that sin becomes a weapon that hurts you, takes away your peace, and leaves you lost and drifting. This is true.

In the book of Romans, Paul teaches that when we give our physical and mental attributes to doing and thinking wrong, they become weapons of unrighteousness. He tells us not to surrender our body and mind to sin, but to surrender each part to God as instruments of good against the powers of darkness, and for the glory and praise of God.  (Romans ch. 6)

And always remember, keep short accounts with God. What I mean by that is, when you do fail and sin, get back to God immediately, tell him the truth, and ask him for forgiveness and to wash you clean.  (1John 1:9)

Do not wait for some good 'feeling', but get back right with God quickly.  (Psalm 103)

Pilgrim Warrior