Taking The First Step

Addictions – whether alcohol, another kind of drug, food or sexual addiction – will lead to certain destruction and finally death unless the addict completely stops engaging in the self-destroying behavior. As simple as that sounds it is not easy to do. Why? Because addicts must take “the first step” – admit their addiction, its pervasive power over every aspect of their lives and finally recognize their inability to control or stop their self-destroying behavior and surrender that addiction to God.

David said it one way and Paul another way. David said, “I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only have I sinned.” And Paul said, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.” Two powerful statements from two of God’s most honored servants that are different in words yet identical in meaning. Two men crying out to God in a moment of extreme desperation asking for God’s love, mercy, grace, salvation and healing. It describes their battle with sin, their inadequacies to be victorious over sin and their desire to please and honor God.

We can never underestimate the strong hold sin has in our lives. Nor do we recognize our powerlessness to overcome it in our own strength. Unfortunately, one of the most used talents Satan gives to us is denial. As long as we do not admit that there is sin in our lives we do not have to deal with or confront it. We too easily live with it, unaware that it is slowly destroying us.

Robert Burns said that it would be wonderful if someone could give us a gift that would enable us to see ourselves as others see us. God did exactly that in His Word and in the life of His Son. Now it is up to us to “admit what is” and call on Him for what can be.

Prayer: It is too easy, Lord, to deceive ourselves by denying the dominating power of sin in our lives. Convict us to confess it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.