Starting over or beginning from a new point of reference can be scary. Yet, every New Year’s Day individuals try to become a little better, happier and healthier. However, if you have ever followed in the footsteps of Frank Sinatra’s song, “I did it my way,” truth is relative. Since the lyrics of My Way pretty much sums up how I lived in 2015, I became blinded from the person that I had become.
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.
Unfortunately, when your life is obviously dysfunctional, there’s a temptation to compare yourself to those whom you deem lesser or worse. In the first century, the apostle Paul sensed this within the hearts and minds of those who attended the church at Rome. Calling it like he saw it, Paul confronts those who have the mindset, “well at least I’m not like that addict, criminal or prostitute over there.” The other night at work, I caught myself as I gossiped about a co-worker. At this very moment, a spirit of conviction consumed me.
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things, Romans 2:1.
During the first week of my current fast, the Holy Spirit has been opening my eyes to a painful reality. While I currently hate the person I’ve become, confession is the first step to recovery. Finding the narrow road that leads to life eternal may take more time than I want, but I know the journey back is worth it. Like Moses in Hebrews 11:24-27, you have to know when to break free from your past, walking by faith until the person you despise becomes the child God desires. As a youth pastor once told me, “it’s never too late to change!”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 