Fight the Fight

A few weeks ago, I called my friend at 10:30 am to discuss lunch plans. We agreed to meet at Olive Garden at 11:00 am. This meant I had to get ready…and fast! I took a shower and got dressed while I was still in the bathroom. I also lacked brushing my hair and teeth, and the fogged mirror didn’t help matters. Brushing my teeth wasn’t so bad, but I couldn’t see what I was doing to my hair. I didn’t have time as it was, so I ran some gel through my fingers and ran my fingers through my hair. I ran out the door in a flash, actually making good time.

Things grew complicated at the intersection of Perry Hill and Vaughn. I was waiting for a red light to go green, wondering how bad my hair looked, when I glanced over my shoulder. My shirt was on inside-out! In broad daylight! And I had to meet my friend at a restaurant in less than five minutes! Several weeks ago, I told you about my inexplicable habit of putting a t-shirt on inside out and/or backward. That’s right. I did it again.

From a spiritual standpoint, we sin. Maybe that sin is a one-time only deal. Or maybe it’s a repeat offender. Perhaps we get caught up in gossip before we realize it. Perhaps we let slip a word of the four-letter variety. Sometimes we might let the traffic get the best of us…or our families get the best of us…and we lose control of our anger. The first step to beating such a problem is admitting that it does in fact exist. Living in denial never helped anybody.

Secondly, we should always strengthen ourselves against sin through studying God’s word. This allows us to focus on verses which address any particular issues. We can then use these verses to remind ourselves of the right thing to do when the going gets rough.

Third, we should always pray to God for His help in overcoming sin. I’m convinced that the phrase “forgive me of my sins” is a wee bit overused. Again, acknowledging the sin while praying for it is just another way to keep it in the forefront of your mind, guarding yourself from repeat offenses.

Last, don’t become discouraged when you suffer a setback. Discouragement might lead you to give up the fight, and we all know how dangerous that can be. Losing the battle doesn’t mean you lose the war. It’s important to remember that, no matter how disappointed you might be, for this war is for your soul.

Never give up!