What It Takes To Change

In review of 1 John 1:8 it says, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.”

Bottom Line:

To think or claim we have no sin, is to only deceive ourselves. In doing so, we refuse to accept the truth.

What this means to me:

I can never think I’m without sin, to do so is to only deceive myself. It’s simply not accepting the truth. I’m defective, I can’t measure up to any standard of perfection. It would be silly for me to pretend that I do, as others can clearly see through me. This verse reminds that to think so is self-deception.

I’ll will never be sinless here on earth, but it is possible for me to sin less. Its hard to change things within myself. I’ve had these defects a long time. However, I need to be careful not to identify with my defects, thus confusing my identity with them, otherwise I just set myself up to perpetuate it. My defects can have a payoff, (whatever is rewarded will get repeated.) Possible payoffs for my defects may be to mask my pain, cover up a fear, give me an excuse to fail, or to compensate for guilt. The enemy will do his best to discourage me. He’ll say things like “Who do you think you are? You haven’t been able to change in the past. Do you think you’re going to be able to change now? It’s hopeless. It’s not going to work.” These are fears planted in my mind by the enemy himself. These are things that often keep me from changing the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that I know are unhealthy.

Ephesians 4:21-27 has the remedy. “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:21-27 NLT).

In essence, let my life be changed by my relationship with Him. Use the Holy Spirit for strength. Be honest with myself and with others. And lastly, never let anger for lack of forgiveness build up or fester in my heart.