This week, you will struggle with that sin that easily besets you again.
And here's why...
I've realised that you can't overcome bad habits, sinful desires and besetting sins by just mere willpower or practising discipline alone — not even structures. I know we have heard of different life hacks on how to live a more disciplined life, attended various conferences, seminars, meetings etc. Hell, you might have even read Atomic habits from cover to cover. But believe me when I say these practices or let me say interventions may not be enough.
There is a difference between overcoming sin and overcoming the power of sin. The former you can overcome with simple earthly principles but the latter you need a greater power to emerge victorious.
Therefore, in this letter, I will be writing to you from the standpoint of spirituality in overcoming sinful desires.
AN ADVANTAGE WE HAVE AS BELIEVERS.
As believers, we must understand that the secret to living a life of holiness, purity and one which is pleasing to God doesn't rest on how much we can deny ourselves alone but on how much we can depend on the Holy Spirit to help us.
The following scriptures make us understand that this battle isn't ours to fight alone but we have a personality who is willing to fight alongside us if we allow Him.
Galatians 5:16 NKJV - I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Romans 8:26a TPT - And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness.
II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The above scriptures made something so clear that there is an help available for us as believers and this help is provided by the Helper - The Holy Spirit.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT?
How can we not fulfill the lust of the flesh? The simple answer the scripture provides is "Walk in the Spirit". (Gal 5:16)
Apostle Paul also said in Galatians 5:25 - "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit"
To walk in the Spirit is simply surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Allowing Him to work in and out of you. Trusting Him and consciously partnering with Him as you navigate each day.
We can help ourselves to walk more efficiently in the Spirit by doing the following:
Fasting
Prayer
Studying & meditating on the Word of God.
These spiritual exercises helps us to be more present and in communion with the Holy Spirit inside of us.
THIS IS THE REALITY.
Also, we need to understand and come to terms with the fact that overcoming habits isn't just a day job. Some of these habits and recurring sins have been the lifestyle of many for months, even years. Therefore, stopping them abruptly in a day is not just realistic.
Short term achievements is key. Focus more on getting by each day without engaging in that sin or habit that has been a norm for you. Fight for a day first. Days turn to weeks, weeks turn to months and months into years
Give yourself grace but also be brutal with yourself.
Don't lean in to yourself, your willpower, your discipline alone today. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you and carry you.
With love,
Sam Babajide.