The Invisible WarSample

Sinful People Can Sin Less

We’re all defective. We all have parts of our lives that simply don’t work. None of us measure up to a standard of perfection. To pretend like you’ve got it all together when everybody knows you don’t is silly. In fact, the Bible tells us it’s self-deception.

You will never be sinless on this planet, but it is possible to sin less. So why is it so hard to change stuff in us that we really don’t like?

1. Because we’ve had our defects so long.
Some of our destructive patterns were developed in childhood, perhaps in resistance to a pain or as a stress coping device. These defects may be self-defeating, but at least they’re familiar!

2. Because we identify with our defects.
We often confuse our identity with our defects. When you see yourself connected to your defect, you set yourself up to perpetuate it.

3. Because our defects have a payoff.
Whatever is rewarded gets repeated. The payoff for the defects you have in your life may be to mask your pain, cover up a fear, give you an excuse to fail, or compensate for guilt.

4. Because Satan discourages us.
Once you start to work on something in your life that you want to change, Satan starts saying, “Who do you think you are? You’re never going to change. 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.” Those fears are being planted in your mind by the Devil himself.

These things keep us from changing the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that we know are unhealthy.
So what does it take to change those deep patterns in my life that I really don’t like about me?

This devotional © 2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.