Hi
I’m told that it can take as much (as little) as 6 months for the stain of tobacco to disappear from our clothing after quitting – and that was the experience of a secret smoker. And, based on how most self-describe, we know that the lure of alcohol is always one drink away from the alcoholic.
If this were to be used empirically – and I am VERY conscious that it isn’t enough to craft a true hypothesis – one may conclude that the stain of habits and cycles of addiction are not easily overcome. I know, I know – that’s jumping (maybe even flying) to conclusions. But not entirely far fetched, right?
Should my very shaky hypothesis hold any credibility, it could mean that you and I are at risk of succumbing to yesterday’s bad habits quite easily. And if that holds true, then today’s Holy Nougat is quite the challenge for us
“Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Ephesians 4:24 NLT
For, it’s not that we cannot be adorned in our new nature of Christ-likeness. But we have to consider the painful reality that; on the natural realm:
A. Folks might not notice the real difference right away
B. There’s a sense in which, despite receiving new names, our old sin nature is always one bad choice away
C. We are almost always at risk of succumbing to those bad habits.
For, although some worship spaces offer special classes to orient us to the faith, very few – if any at all – actually offer a 12-step programme to prepare us for living our best life in our new Christ nature. Hmmm.
Might I recommend that we ‘hook up with’ The Ultimate 12-Step Coach? The One Who genuinely knows how to get us past hump days; stress moments and our worst temptations. The One Who knows who we are, who we were and uncannily focuses on who we ought to be. The One Who inspired the first 12-step programme. The One Who, despite our mess, picks us up EVERY TIME, saying “I love you” and “I died for you so you can live again – in full – the life of your new nature”. Who loves us past failures; highs, insecurities and betrayals. Who calls us His own; when we’re at our worst; and intercedes for each of us Where it matters!
Yes, my dear I am recommending Jesus as the leader of our personalized 12-step programme as we don our New Nature. I guarantee He’s specifically equipped to handle whatever we need to have addressed. With love
So, let’s put the new nature on; Daily. And throughout the day, let’s honestly invite Jesus, Our 12-step Coach and Personal Trainer, to eradicate the stain of our old sin nature from us, strengthen us to ignore the temptations and to be the visible witnesses which allow others to overcome their own sin nature.
Doable? By God’s Spirit and grace in Christ, yes!
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
