Unpack This...Taking Sin SeriouslySample

Is It A Pattern?

Once we get halfway through any particular sports season, we usually have a pretty strong grasp on the teams heading in the right direction and those that are in big trouble. One of the ways we know this is by looking at patterns.

If a team puts together a couple of wins in a row behind a dynamic offense and then lays an egg one week, we can still be confident that they will be fine. But if they all of a sudden allow that one loss to lead to two more, then it turns into a pattern of losing.

The concept of a pattern versus an isolated loss provides a parallel to sin, as we are broken and imperfect people who have to constantly battle against sin in our life.

As followers of Jesus, we have overcome the ultimate punishment for sin because of Jesus and the cross, but we still have to fight against sin every day.

The difference is, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us and a new nature. Sin should no longer maintain a hold on our life, but instead, we should experience freedom and victory.

Of course, we’re going to have off days where we slip and sin creeps in, but we don’t have to let it become a pattern. Jesus gives us the strength and power to break the cycle as we repent and surrender. The losses don’t have to pile up because we confess, make the changes, and get back to a pattern of winning.

When we rely on the grace of Jesus and His strength to empower us, we can avoid making a practice of sinning. Today, let's choose to avoid any patterns of sin by living out this very important challenge:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that You've given me a new nature and a new life in Jesus. Please continue to help me remove the old patterns of sin as I desire to repent and move forward in freedom. I thank you for Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.