Spoken word by the spiritual poet

It’s amazing how we react to the familiar sin that so easily detains, distracts and ultimately derails us when it’s fully matured and, in some cases, leads to death on certain fronts in our lives. Admittedly, it looks good, smells good, is arousing and very desirous, rich in taste and comfort, goes down smooth and provides a refreshing physiological mood-altering mountaintop experience when eaten and yet, it never truly fills or satisfies the thirsting of our soul beyond the moment. The familiar sin, like rushing water, seemingly always takes the familiar path of least resistance when encouraged, engaged and invited in. You know those familiar paths, pride, success, fortune, fame, identity, importance, achievement, arrogance, star-power, reward, acceptance and more. The familiar sin, takes days, weeks, months and sometimes years of traction, movement and intentional strong strides of progress in our lives to all but vaporize or vanish without a trace from one fleeting moment of intimacy. The familiar sin always seems to have a way with us. The familiar sin always seems to seek us out and wait for an opportune moment to create remiss, relapse and regrets. The familiar sin always seems to call us by name, by personal experience and by our deep-seated hidden secrets. And the familiar sin always deceives, disempowers and leaves us despondent under the alleged formidable and indisputable heavyweight burden of guilt and shame.

Take courage! Be careful and don’t be deceived regarding all sins, especially those familiar to you. As James said, “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. – James 1:14-15 CSB” And remember, a pursuit of the wind or empty life and empty living cannot fulfill the eternal longing of our soul for the Lord. As Solomon said, “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. – Ecclesiastes 1:14 CSB”  Therefore, “let us lay aside every hinderance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. – Hebrews 12:1b-2a CSB”

In His grid, in His grip and in His grace.