Returning To Old Habits

It is our future actions that will show if we are truly sorry for the wrong we have done.

Judges 2:1-23

Reference: v.19 But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I was recently listening to a podcast sermon by Pastor Craig Groeschel on Forgiveness.  This is something that I continually need to work on, so I thought some extra advice from a very wise man wouldn’t go astray.  One thing that Craig reminded me of, was our responsibility after we ask for forgiveness.  The awesome grace of our God means that He will forgive our sins and forget about them, however, our responsibility is that we must work at not committing the sin again.  This is the challenge, as there was bound to be some appeal for us to commit the sin in the first place.  However, it is our future actions that will show if we are truly sorry for the wrong we have done.

Application: When the Israelites were without leadership they quickly slipped into bad old habits again.  In fact, the Bible says that they were even more corrupt than before. God’s amazing grace will continue to save us, but if we are serious about being His disciple, then we must continue to work hard at not returning to our sin.  It is often a huge challenge, but not one we have to face alone.  God understands where we’re at and, hopefully, the places where we worship assist us in staying away from wrong.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we fail you.  Amen.

What sin do you find yourself returning to? Pray about it and find someone you can trust to talk to about it.

 

forgiveness, Judges, responsibility, sin