Whilst studying in preparation for the sermon last week, I was reminded of an interaction from years ago. I was working at a church in El Cajon and often people would come to the office seeking assistance of some kind. "Walk-ins" were common: people asking for money, homeless people looking for food or clothes, petrol for their cars, and even a medical emergency. I believe God did a miracle when we prayed for an older man who was overdosing on methamphetamine and instantly set him in his right mind.
One man came into the office who had recently been released from prison. He looked to be a tough character, covered in tattoos - and was inked on his neck and face. I was asked to speak with him. during our conversation he confided he had an addiction to alcohol which he saw as deadly. "If I don't quit drinking, I'm going to die. I'm desperate to do anything to be clean and sober." I told him of a local ministry I knew that specialised in people like him who wanted to be free of drugs and alcohol, to have a stable job, and affordable housing. I warned him it was not for everyone, as it required a full one-year commitment. He was enthusiastic: "That's exactly what I need. Sign me up."
He was without transport so I offered to provide him a ride to the ministry office on the other side of town. A pastor greeted us and explained concerning the program in greater detail. Nodding in agreement to the rigid structure and requirements, the man sparked up a cigarette. "And by the way," the pastor said, "just so you know there is no smoking permitted during the program." The man literally staggered back a step in disbelief. "What?" he asked incredulously. "I don't know...I don't think I can commit to that." As the pastor tried to reason with him, the man began chain smoking the rest of his cigarettes, clearly disturbed by this development he was unprepared for.
I found the situation tragic and sad: there stood a man in desperate need of help to kick alcohol, but his dependence on cigarettes seemed an insurmountable obstacle. He knew alcohol would be the death of him, yet he was unprepared to make a necessary sacrifice for a new life because it seemed unreasonable and impossible. I don't believe this man's situation or response is different than us in our relationship with God. There are aspects of our life and behaviour we realise are sinful and want to see our problems dealt with, but at the same time the accomplishment of this work can require sacrifices in other areas we are not always willing to make. So being undecided and in two minds we can settle for what will destroy us. It's a confronting example to be sure, but one at some level we can all identify with.
James 1:8 tells us a "double-minded man" is "unstable in all his ways." It was good the man had come to grips with his need to deal severely with his alcoholism, but because he was double-minded, unwilling to sacrifice what the ministry required to aid his restoration, instability marked every aspect of his life. This is why commitment and willpower is insufficient to live in victory, for we need to be born again through faith in Christ so we are given new hearts and renewed minds which are in agreement with God. James went on to write in James 4:8: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." If we will be free and forgiven we cannot approach God on our terms, but we must submit to His righteous demands. When there is agreement between God and a humble, repentant, and contrite sinner, God graciously restores according to His promise. Then our feet will be firmly planted on the Rock of Salvation who is Christ, and He is a foundation for new life enjoyed for eternity.
One man came into the office who had recently been released from prison. He looked to be a tough character, covered in tattoos - and was inked on his neck and face. I was asked to speak with him. during our conversation he confided he had an addiction to alcohol which he saw as deadly. "If I don't quit drinking, I'm going to die. I'm desperate to do anything to be clean and sober." I told him of a local ministry I knew that specialised in people like him who wanted to be free of drugs and alcohol, to have a stable job, and affordable housing. I warned him it was not for everyone, as it required a full one-year commitment. He was enthusiastic: "That's exactly what I need. Sign me up."
He was without transport so I offered to provide him a ride to the ministry office on the other side of town. A pastor greeted us and explained concerning the program in greater detail. Nodding in agreement to the rigid structure and requirements, the man sparked up a cigarette. "And by the way," the pastor said, "just so you know there is no smoking permitted during the program." The man literally staggered back a step in disbelief. "What?" he asked incredulously. "I don't know...I don't think I can commit to that." As the pastor tried to reason with him, the man began chain smoking the rest of his cigarettes, clearly disturbed by this development he was unprepared for.
I found the situation tragic and sad: there stood a man in desperate need of help to kick alcohol, but his dependence on cigarettes seemed an insurmountable obstacle. He knew alcohol would be the death of him, yet he was unprepared to make a necessary sacrifice for a new life because it seemed unreasonable and impossible. I don't believe this man's situation or response is different than us in our relationship with God. There are aspects of our life and behaviour we realise are sinful and want to see our problems dealt with, but at the same time the accomplishment of this work can require sacrifices in other areas we are not always willing to make. So being undecided and in two minds we can settle for what will destroy us. It's a confronting example to be sure, but one at some level we can all identify with.
James 1:8 tells us a "double-minded man" is "unstable in all his ways." It was good the man had come to grips with his need to deal severely with his alcoholism, but because he was double-minded, unwilling to sacrifice what the ministry required to aid his restoration, instability marked every aspect of his life. This is why commitment and willpower is insufficient to live in victory, for we need to be born again through faith in Christ so we are given new hearts and renewed minds which are in agreement with God. James went on to write in James 4:8: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." If we will be free and forgiven we cannot approach God on our terms, but we must submit to His righteous demands. When there is agreement between God and a humble, repentant, and contrite sinner, God graciously restores according to His promise. Then our feet will be firmly planted on the Rock of Salvation who is Christ, and He is a foundation for new life enjoyed for eternity.
No comments:
Post a Comment
To uphold the integrity of this site, no comments with links for advertising will be posted. No ads here! :)