Some time ago, someone offended a prominent Christian. It seemed intentional, and the Christian got very annoyed. The Christian turned to an unexpected mediator, saying, ‘Please tell this person who I am. They don’t want to cross me.’ Given the temper of the Christian pre-conversion, the mediator was unsure which ‘me’ was to be introduced. For the Christian’s response was ominous, and could have been even worse if the matter escalated. Moreover, the mediating role was thrust upon the would-be mediator at the very moment when the Christian spoke. What was the mediator to do/say?
One might say that the Christian practised some restraint. The action, though provoked, seemed almost extreme and presented Christ and Christianity negatively. As persons whose lifestyles never leave public scrutiny, we have to be on our guard at all times. For it usually is the little things that cost us spiritually. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Ephesians 4:22 NIV
[22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Avoid Reverting to Old Habits
Our temptation to revert to old ways is not only in respect of our tempers but also applies to all aspects of our lives. It is about habits and relationships and things which were second nature to us. For some of us, the matter could include our respect for time or addictions – socially acceptable or not. We are the ones who must exercise self-control.
Self-Check
To what extent do we practice self-control, and how do we accomplish it?
Application
It may be helpful to hear that many of our heroes in the Bible also had those issues. We may even presume that there was a potential problem in Ephesus. Paul knew first hand how how un-Christ-like former lives could be and may have been proactive in making that pronouncement.
Regardless of what inspired Paul’s statement, it is worth attending to in real time today. For we know that the accuser of the saints is the enemy of our souls. The Accuser has one intent: ‘to kill, steal, and destroy’ (see John 10:10). While we may see those three actions as separate and distinct, they are related. Reverting to old habits can destroy us on several levels socially and spiritually, stealing our joy while putting to death dreams and/or relationships. This is especially the case if it isn’t a momentary setback.
If we revert to old ways or find ourselves succumbing to other practices that do not place God at the helm; there is hope. For Christ’s words (warning) in John 10:10, it also holds a promise. In Christ, we can find abundant life that strengthens us, helping us to overcome. In Christ, there is forgiveness.
Our first task is indeed to avoid regression to our former ways. When we do, it may be incumbent upon us to take the stance of the Christian we met at the start of our reflection, who realized what could have happened; and returned almost forthwith to the mediator. The Christian then said, ‘I’m sorry. It’s not even about who I am. I’m no longer that person. It’s about Who my God is.’ That’s it right there, siblings. It is about our God, so we can actually walk away.
Point to Ponder
Where have we begun to revert to old habits, and why? Can we ask God’s forgiveness and invite Christ’s support to overcome?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
