Slippage

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So you must live as God’s obedient children.  Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires . . .  1 Peter 1.14

Slipping happens in a New York minute.  I’m reminded of this especially this time of year because I live in the icy, snowy state of Michigan.  If I'm not careful, if I'm distracted or in a hurry before I know it I'm flat on my back on an icy driveway.  

Traversing icy walkways takes focus and concentration and this life with Jesus is no different!  It takes intentionality, determination and single-mindedness.  The call of our old life is strong.

But God has gifted us with the Holy Spirit, God himself living inside of us, who fills us with His desires and empowers us to live as obedient children.  We don’t have to do this on our own, in our own strength.  Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4.30 (MSG), “. . . His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself.  Don’t take such a gift for granted.”

We don’t have to attempt to live this life by ourselves but we do have to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leadership.  Jesus said it best when He declared, “No one can serve two masters.”  There can only be one master in our life, it’s either us or its God.  We can’t have both.  We must let His Holy Spirit reign in our lives in order to experience victory.

However, it’s in the re-asserting of ourselves onto the throne when slippage happens. 

When we lose focus, become distracted with life, allow fear to dictate our choices, before we know it, we find ourselves flat on our back in the muck of our old life, our old habits, and our old way of living.  And we lay they’re wondering how this could’ve happened AGAIN.

We will never drift into this life of surrendered-living.  Just like it takes focus and intentionality to walk on the ice without slipping, it takes purpose, effort, and tenacity to live a life surrendered to the power of the Holy Spirit.  It takes work to keep from re-asserting ourselves onto the throne.  It takes fortitude and perseverance to keep from going back to our old way of life. 

It takes a heart that desires God more than anything else!