It Starts With The Heart

“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you…” Isaiah 42:6

The Bible says that “Job made a covenant with his eyes” so he purposed in his heart that he would never look at something unclean. He knew that he had to choose ahead of time to be holy before he was presented with temptation. We can learn from him to avoid falling.

If we say to ourselves, “I’ll wait until I’m out on a date with this guy and then choose not to have sex,” we are setting ourselves up for disaster. I’m finding that I always have to keep the knowledge of my sinful nature close. Yes, I’m a citizen of Heaven, but I still struggle with the ways of Hell. Forgetting this is what usually precedes a downfall. This is true for any Christian, whether a stay-at-home mom or a full-time pastor. If your occupation is in ministry, there is a bulls-eye target the size of the state of Georgia on your head. If you don’t believe me, just google “fallen minister” and see how much information surfaces. These stories have made, not just Christian headlines, but secular as well.

We can’t afford to believe the best of ourselves. I’m not talking about self-loathing, just self-honesty. Our time of prayer and daily repentance reveals secrets about our own hearts. God’s Word shines light on those dust bunnies of the soul that we’ve accidentally kicked under the bed. We won’t just fall into righteousness. We were called to it. Believe who you are called to be. Believe that when God sees you, He sees Jesus, our righteousness. So pray for yourself. Pray for the people around you. Pray for your family. Pray for your pastor. Pray for me.

Heavenly Father,

I choose to see You in all Your beauty. Heal the ugly, sinful places in me. Let me not be deceived.

In Jesus Most Precious Name

Amen

Journal

Read about Jesus early life in the Gospels. What and who did Satan use to destroy Jesus?

What strategies of temptation have been used against you?

What can you do to stand strong against sin in your life?