I was reading in Judges (chapter’s 13-16) yesterday about the life of Samson. A few things jumped out at me as I read the account of his life. First, he spent a great deal of time feeding his own passions and desires. Second, and most importantly, he could have been so much more effective for the Lord, if he would have sought to please God and not himself.
Whenever I read about someone in the Bible, I try to look at their life and learn from the error of their ways. I have to honestly look in the mirror and determine if I share any of their sin struggles. I have to admit, it hurts when I find that to be the case.
I memorized the following passage as a young man, and the Holy Spirit has consistently been bringing it to mind ever since.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
I have to honestly answer the following questions.
1. Am I, like Samson, living life for the most part for myself?
2. Am I offering up my body, my life, as a living sacrifice to Christ?
In order to grow, I must answer the questions boldy. In areas where I’m falling short of God’s perfection, I have to be willing to lay down my pride and make necessary changes with His strength. There is one particular area in my life that God has used this passage, and many others recently, to convict me. It is in the area of eating, or in my case, overeating. This has been a lifelong challenge for me!
The key for me is motivation. What is driving me to make the changes I need to make? Outside of the obvious benefits of feeling better and having more energy, my ultimate motivation needs to come from the fact that as a believer in Christ, my body is a temple of God’s Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
There are obvious consequences with choosing to overeat. It is difficult to look in the mirror and view the reflection of the ugliness of sin. However, if I’m going to maximize my effectiveness for the Lord, I know I must take care of my body through proper nutrition and exercise.
Maybe the consequences of your sin struggle may not be so obvious. I challenge you, however, if you have a particular area of sin that you are struggling with, ask God to give you strength to overcome it! I love the following passage!
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
I am so thankful for the intricate way that God formed me! Let’s all seek to please and worship Him with how we’re living our lives!
God bless!
Mr. D