John 8:1-11 | What am I going to do about it?

When it comes to dealing with sin in our lives, it is easy to get focused on the wrong things. Let me give a simple fitness analogy. Let's say I was wanting to run faster. I recognized that I have slacked off and haven't been getting out and running very much. My cardio is getting bad. My speed is awful and my endurance is severely lacking. So in an effort to make me run faster, I look at my life and I see everything that is hindering my progress at running faster.

I see that I like planning video games. Well that doesn't help me run faster so I get rid of that. I like to sit down. I can't run if I am sitting so I will stop sitting. Nutrition is very important when it comes to being able to run fast so I need to dial that in. Sleep is essential to have energy, so I will focus on getting more sleep and higher quality sleep at that. Having a good routine helps to build discipline so I am going to make sure I have a regular morning and evening routine. So now that I have done all of this stuff, why am I still a slow runner? I missed the most important part. Running.

We look at sin like we look at this analogy. We think that our goal is simply to not sin. It is like we think our goal is to avoid everything that makes us a slower runner. If my goal is to run faster, I need to get out there and run. If my goal is to live righteously, then my focus needs to be on living righteously. So for the battle on sin, I am not focusing on sin. I'm focusing on living unto the Lord with a sincere heart. In my day to day, it looks like investing my time, my efforts, and my diligence in listening to the Lord and obeying His voice. We do not make it very far when we are focused on the wrong thing. It is hard to run straight when we are paranoid and looking to our left and to our right all the time. Take encouragement from Jude.

24Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
25To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.
-Jude 24-25

And look also at Proverbs.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
-Proverbs 3:5-6

He is able to keep you from stumbling. Entrust your ways to Him and commit yourself to Him whole heartedly. That is what I will be doing.

What application are you taking from this week's study?