When I worked as a prison guard at the Men’s Reformatory, I came across a number of inmates who said they didn’t belong there. “You mean you didn’t commit the crime for which you were convicted?” I asked. “Oh yes,” they replied. “I committed the crime but I didn’t get a fair trial.” In other words, to their way of thinking, they were indeed guilty as charged but they felt their behavior should have been excused due to some technicality. Years later, when Marcia and I volunteered to mentor guys at another prison, we encountered a more honest reflection on the matter: “I committed a crime because I justified it in my own eyes. I had chosen to believe a lie and my actions reflected this. I was wrong.”
No doubt, you have experienced this too, as have I. We know what is right but we justify a way of thinking and believing that is wrong. You don’t have to go to prison to understand this:
Wrong believing leads to wrong thinking. Wrong thinking leads to wrong and hurtful behavior.
Right believing leads to right thinking. Right thinking leads to right behavior.
You can identify with that, right? For example, I know I am well blessed but am hesitant of sharing my blessings with those in need. I know an encouraging word would be helpful, but sarcastic words come so much easier. I know investing my life into others is most beneficial, but I feel so awkward and just want to have some time by myself.
Hopefully, the struggle becomes less as we mature, but the apostle Paul concludes that the victory is beyond our own ability to achieve; only Jesus can deliver us from this ongoing battle. What does that mean in practical terms?
1. Begin each day by acknowledging the battle you face and asking God’s Spirit to guide you through it.
2. Be intentional in seeking God’s wisdom and strength throughout the day.
3. Be persistent in believing He cares for you. Thank him for each victory over your thoughts and actions, however small, and rejoice in his goodness.
Before you go on to the next task of your day, answer this question: “What wrong thinking colors my world?” Believe – Think – Act on what you know is right. If you fail, ask forgiveness and begin again. Make it a habit that is worth pursuing. God isn’t keeping score and he delights in each time you come to him. Isn’t it time to experience more victory in your life?
“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:18b-19, 24-25