”Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28-NIV)

Stephen Covey once said, “You can’t talk your way out of a problem you behaved yourself into.”  Facing the truth about ourselves, others, and the situations around us forces us to see the reality of the behaviors we’ve chosen and how they affect everyone.  We can’t talk our way out and if we go much further, our mind just may become depraved which leads us further down a road of destruction.  We know we need to confess these things, but it’s difficult to do so.  We sometimes end up loving the mess we’ve created in our lives.

When we have a lot to lose this becomes extremely difficult.  However, when we have a lot to lose, it often means that we have much to gain as well.  Placing blame on others, placing the focus on external circumstances only temporarily alleviates our personal responsibility.  Eventually we will all have to face our own situations, decisions, and attitudes.  I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where God says to us, “I’ve seen the external hardships you’ve faced, so, of course, I can’t make you accountable for your own behavior.  Nothing is your fault; you are a product of the system you’ve been born into.”

We have so much to gain in Christ.  Freedom is #1.  But we all have a choice to make.  I’ve made many good choices, and I too make terrible choices.  My bad choices, if left un-checked will always take me further away from a life pleasing to God and when that happens, Romans 1:28 kicks in.  Because God does not force his love upon us, controlling our every decisions, He sometimes says, “You want to do that?  Go ahead, but its only going to make life worse for you.”  I never want to get to a point in my life where God hands me over to my own depraved mind.  That would be the worst experience ever.  And since I don’t want that, I cling also to the words God spoke through the Apostle Paul,  “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1, NIV)

When we choose to move towards God and change our thinking to the things that will honor Him, life actually gets way better.  We can clearly see His plans for us and discern his will in our lives.  We experience the freedom that only Christ can provide.  Are you filling your life with things that are contaminating your body, or are you casting those things aside to make room for more of Jesus?

– Pastor Jeremy