Sacrifices and Purity

Sacrifices. They have to be made in order to achieve anything above and beyond the call of the average man. But it is interesting what some people aren't willing to give up, even if it is directly getting in the way of the goal they are trying to reach or the person they want to be. Some things can be life altering, while others are minor and take practice to avert their ways. For me, lust is a big hurdle that keeps me from being who I want to be. It is a sacrifice that I will need to make in order to become the godly person that I want to aspire to. I was reading Proverbs this morning, over 100 verses talk about avoiding lust and running from it. Maybe Solomon was trying to say something.. It's obvious that this is a pitfall for many men. But that is no excuse to follow in the footsteps of an unwise and ungodly man. I want to change who I am. I am tired of being pulled in two different directions, trying to satisfy my fleshly desires and maintain some amount of spiritual likeness. It just doesn't work like that. 

Luke 11:24-26 When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, “I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.

This is how I feel most times when I try to change my ways. I sweep my house clean, but I do not fill it with the holy spirit, and I do not fully invite Jesus into my heart. This leaves room for evil spirits to come back in, and even worse than they were previously. But that will not happen to me anymore, I am letting Jesus come in and take control. He will direct my paths, and I will let him take the throne of my life. If I am in charge of my body, I will lead it to sin and death. But if God is in control, then I will prosper and His plan will be done through me. Thank you Lord!

I recently attended a purity conference this past weekend (http://www.purelifeministries.org/). Two major points were shown to me The first is that, just because you are victorious, doesn't mean there isn't still a battle to fight. Just because I can avoid lust for a week, doesn't mean that I can just expect it all to go away. It will always be there, it is up to me to battle and prepare for it everyday. The second, is that lust will take you places you never thought you would go. Think of all of the political scandals, or Tiger Woods, or Jerry Sandusky. Do you think they just woke up one day and thought that they were going to disgrace all they have worked for? No, lust took them there. Gradually, but surely, as all sin leads to death. 

Thank you Lord for your help through these times. I ask that you would come into my heart and continue to take control. I don't want to be in charge of my thoughts, I want your thoughts for me. Thank you for your wisdom that you provide to me daily. Today I put on the full armor of God to fight the enemy and any of his schemes to destroy me. I love you and I praise you Jesus.

Jordan