The Easy Way Out

James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Have you ever noticed how it's sometimes easier to just continue along doing things the way we've always done them, instead of changing, even if we know what we're doing is wrong, or not working for us, or is even harmful? I heard a saying I really like...."when staying the same becomes harder than changing, you will change". I've truly discovered what this means in trying to loose weight. It was a year ago today when I started walking and doing The Lord's Table study. For years I griped and complained about my weight, even praying for God to help me. But...until I acknowledged that my weight problem was actually caused by sin (making food an idol...turning to food instead of the Lord)...nothing happened. Oh, I might loose a few pounds, and say "look what I did"...then the weight would come right back on...plus more extra pounds than when I first started!!! I had to acknowledge my sin, confess my sin, and ask God to forgive me. I had another instance of "knowing to do good, but not doing it" (my words). I had a "friend" who was not really my friend. I had tried for several years to be the kind of friend that I thought the Lord would want me to be...listen, give advice...listen some more....but, this person wanted much more from our "friendship" than I was willing to give. I can't, and won't, go into detail....but....there are people we just cannot be friends with. It is much better to get away from the situation, or else we will be drawn into their way of thinking, or their lifestyle, and if we know it's wrong, then it becomes our sin problem, too. This sorta reminds me of Joseph and Potiphar's wife...she "laid her eyes" on Joseph and tried to get hm to sin with her....remember what Joseph did...he RAN!!! There are times that we have to RUN...and run fast...in the opposite direction. It is so hard for me to do anything that I feel is mistreating people. That's why it was very difficult for me to end the "friendship" with this person. But, if they were knowingly sinning, and trying to draw me in, then what does that say about them??? Where was/is their heart??? I'm not trying to be judgmental, but it does make me wonder!!

So..what I'm trying to say is this...if we're in a situation and we know what we are doing is wrong...then we need to run!! Run away from it!!! Sometimes doing the right thing is not easy....it is easier...but not right...to just keep on doing the same old thing, the same old way we've always done!! But....we were never promised an easy road to travel....never promised that our life here on earth would be a "bed of roses", or all fun and games. We are going to suffer...have difficult things we have to go thru...face things we wish we didn't have to face....but, with God to help us and strengthen us, we can change. Just remember to give Him the glory!!!