A voice within.
We are a being that has choice. Certain things come up and we have to decide what to
do next.
There was a story of a man who had been happy and upbeat all his life. He had some psychological
trouble and took some medicine. A side effect of this medicine was suicidal thoughts.
Unfortunately for this man, he had always followed his impulse, and so commited suicide.
Now I find myself sometimes with inclinations in a way I do not agree with or want. They are part
of me and help me understand our motivations and how transitory these feelings are.
Now does the feeling define sin, or the action that follows? Now I would say and scripture also
it is the action that follows that is the sin, though it comes from the inclination.
Now sometimes I have inclinations that I know are unbelieving, untrusting, at a loss. But that
does not mean I am unbelieving or untrusting, but this feeling comes upon me.
Now imagine someone beset by these feelings all the time, and knowing everyone is out to get
them, and the only solution is retaliation. They are not innocent of their actions, but they
are very much possessed by their conviction.
This is how sin and often righteousness guides us. But we need to test these convictions and
directions with the word and with others.
And it helps when you see people fall into terrible sins, because the trap is so alluring.
For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.
6 She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.
Prov 5:3-6
So many fall for attraction which simply will not work, give up a situation that can
be worked through and destroy the very foundation they have built over many years.
Here in the uk I saw a politician who was having an affair with their personal assistant.
They were in their 60's, respected, making a good contribution to society and their lives.
Yet within a few months they were dead. If they had known their end, would they have
walked this path.
How do those that love you look back on their lives? With regret on how they ended,
or as a long walk growing in love and grace in the Lord to finally step into glory?
Which would you rather be? Is it all a fight against sin which is inevitably failed or
a walk of deeper realisation of faithfulness, mercy, and truth?
