Monday, July 15, 2013
By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo
I Just Want to Be Bad
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
We brought our little boy to see his first movie on the big screen this weekend, "Despicable Me 2." The "Despicable Me" series is based off of an ex-villain who is now raising three orphans and working to instead save the world.
In this second part of the series, lead character and ex-villain Gru is approached by his scientist, Dr. Nefario, with disheartening news. Dr. Nefario informs Gru that he misses being EVIL. Dr. Nefario then teams up with another super villain to conquer the world.
*Spoiler Alert*
However, by the end of the movie, Dr. Nefario realizes that he loves his family (Gru and his three adopted girls) more than he loves being evil.
So, let's just be completely honest. Have you ever felt like Dr. Nefario? You have been delivered from a lifestyle that you know was wrong but sometimes you just want to be bad lol? Maybe you want to REALLY let that person at work know how you feel OR you want to succumb to the temptation just ONE time.
The Apostle Paul - the greatest example of Christian living besides Jesus Himself - talks about this inner struggle in Romans 7:15. He says, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate."
Shortly before Jesus was taken to be crucified, He told His disciples in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Jesus knew that the disciples would be tempted to betray Him. So, He told them to PRAY. Through prayer, our spirits are made stronger. If we neglect prayer, our flesh (worldly desires) are strengthened instead.
Many recovering alcoholics will tell you that they have to fight for their sobriety EVERY day. No matter how far we have come in our Christian walks, the enemy wants to pull us back into our old ways of thinking...into our old habits.
I challenge you today to always strengthen your spirit through prayer. When temptation comes your way (and it will), consider this - Is a moment of pleasure really worth the possible life-long or eternal ramifications? Is it worth the harm it could cause me or my family?
Dear Lord, In accordance to Matthew 6:13, I ask that You would give me strength in times of temptation. I invite You - Holy Spirit - to fill my life. Lead me and guide me in all of my decisions.
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
