Thursday, November 3, 2022

The Darkening Heart

Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 1:22-25

Who wants God to give them up or give up on them? I don’t know anyone who would want this, but in this passage of scripture, we see that it is possible. God does this when we exchange the truth of God for a lie and worship the creature rather than the Creator.

To exchange the truth of God for a lie literally means to hold the truth down. God tries to rise up and put the person’s life in check, but the person will not turn to the truth. The Holy Spirit may be trying to work on the person, but the person is convinced that they are fine. Here are some examples:

1. “I’m going through a difficult period of my life right now. I’ll come out of it.” This is someone who is simply waiting to repent, imagining that he can shut down this sin whenever he wishes.

2. “I’ve tried to quit. I’ve tried to follow the steps that people have given me. Nothing changes. I’m just as addicted as I have ever been.” This happens when we make half-hearted attempts to deal with the sin in our lives. We may spend some time with God, but we fail to have accountability. We may study the Word of God but refuse to set ourselves up for victory.

PRAYER: No more excuses, Lord. I repent of all of my impure thoughts and acts and ask you to help me. Give me wisdom about what practical decisions I need to make so that I can walk in sexual purity. In the name of Jesus, Amen.