6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“When an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it roams through waterless places looking for rest, and not finding rest, it then says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ Returning, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that person’s last condition is worse than the first.”
Luke 11:24-26 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The text I have chosen for today is a bit lengthy. Yet, the principle is simple. First, the original meaning and then the general principle.
Original meaning: When a demon is cast out of someone, they need to replace that void with a love for the Lord that satisfies their soul. If they don’t, it is quite possible that Satan will rally his forces to reclaim territory that he lost and the last state of that person will be even worse than the first.
General principle: When we get rid of a sinful habit, or even simply an undesirable activity, we had better replace it with something good. Nature abhors a vacuum. If we don’t, we will probably eventually revert back to our original condition and become more firmly entrenched in what we tried to get rid of.
For instance, if the Holy Spirit is convicting you of the sin of gluttony (you are eating much more food than you need), then you may begin to cut back. You may trim your calorie intake to a more healthy level. But, as you back away from overconsumption of food, you had better replace the love you had for food with something else. Maybe you can develop a love for exercise (endorphins!). Because if you don’t replace it with something, you’ll probably go right back to overeating … and it will take even more will-power the next time you try to conquer the sin of gluttony.
For the Christian, we realize that many of the sinful things that we do are a subconscious way to fill up a void we have within us. While our soul craves to know and love our God, we settle for a boring relationship with our Creator and try to fill the void with our sin(s) of choice.
So, strive for holiness. Work to kill sin in your mind and body (Romans 8:13). But realize that in order to be victorious, we must replace that sin with something else. And, friend, there is always more of our great God to enjoy. Therefore, satisfy your soul with Him.
Psalm 42:1-2 (CSB): “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?”
If you want to read a wonderful book on cultivating a relationship with the Savior, consider “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer.
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Lord Jesus, I want to make progress in becoming more like You. I want to be rid of those sinful habits in my life that put You on the cross. And I realize that these two things are directly tied together: As I get rid of sin, I replace that vacuum with a growing, meaningful relationship with You. Thank You for calling me on this journey. By Your grace and strength, I will do this. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 