My former conduct was to procrastinate. Ephesians 4:22-23 says “put off concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”
How do we put off that behavior – not give in to the deceitful lust of procrastination?
“‚Ķand be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we do not have to fall prey to old man conduct stemming from old man thinking. We can be renewed in the spirit of our minds. We can put on the new man God has created us to be, righteous and holy. We can be diligent women who do what needs doing when it needs doing – work, play, or rest.
To renew our minds, we need to see things as God does and respond accordingly. Time in His Word develops discernment. When I recognize the lures that appeal to me (shopping, sweets, doing one more chore) I am alert to protect myself before they call to me. I set up parameters that keep me on the road. (Shop only with cash and a list, no sweets in the house, stop work when the timer goes off.) When I hear their call, I focus on the destination God gave me and not on the lure. I take the next right step, then the next. I walk away from the cute little puppy. (See Deceitful Lures and Rabid Puppies Sept. 19, 2016)
I used to “love” chocolate and coffee. Then I found out caffeine was causing pain and harming my body. I gave up chocolate, coffee, tea, soft drinks. They don’t tempt me; I view them differently than I used to. God used medical information and unpleasant experiences to give me a different viewpoint – renewed my mind.
I need the same decisive thinking and behavior for other things that lure me into harm. They may be legitimate things – but inappropriate or harmful at the time I should be focusing on something else. Discern and act.
We can do that because God has given us armor for the battle. The helmet of salvation protects our minds. We have truth, righteousness, faith, God’s Word and the gospel to protect us and move us forward.
That cute little puppy can look at me with doleful eyes or beg to play. I know he’s rabid – so I just keep on walking, protected by a mind and heart cleaned by Jesus and devoted to Him, confidence in His help, awareness of my need and His sufficiency. I am equipped to resist the puppy.
It sounds like overkill, doesn’t it? All that to avoid a cute little critter who just wants to play. No! That’s the sneakiness of it. Sisters, we recognize deceitful lusts! We are catching on to the wiles of the devil.
What victory have you had this week?
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