Gal 5:19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
You may or may not have heard about the Canada Women's Hockey Team leaving their locker room to "party" (drink beers and smoke cigars) on their home ice last night after they won the gold medal. It was all over sports updates. Many of the reports I heard said. "Canada is known for that, they won on their home ice it is ok."
I remember when I used to drink to drunkenness and people would ask me how often I drank, I would respond something along the lines of "I only drink when....". There were certain times, excuses or in certain circles that in my mind made it ok. I used to say the same thing about smokeless tobacco, "I only do it when I am playing golf or softball."
How about us? What in our lives do we need to deal with that we are saying, "I only ____ when." A Christian friend of mine called me for accountability when his wife was going out of town. He said "I do not go and rent pornography while my wife is gone but I will rent movies that push the envelope. I only rent them when she goes out of town. I called you for accountability."
Galatians 5 is pretty clear about what the sinful nature produces. I am convicted reading the list myself. I no longer have bondage with drunkenness but I am not exempt from the list. Is our desire to inherit the Kingdom of God? We need a heart that hates the sin referenced in Gal 5, we need accountability partners that do not have the same weakness as us and we need a strong desire for the Kingdom. Ask God to quicken your Spirit to areas of your life that you are saying "Only when."
Only when we win a gold medal will we push the Olympic standards & party on the ice..
Make it a great night!
Posted on
Fri, February 26, 2010