Temporary
Insanity
By Bob
Noebel
Guest Writer
What
thoughts go through your mind when you
hear the phrase "temporary insanity?" If
you are like me, you will think of an
episode of Law and Order where a
defendant pleads not guilty due to being
temporarily "not of sound mind." Whatever
they did, they were not responsible in
their mind. They acted out of an
uncontrollable impulse.
As
Christians, we have tasted God's mercy and
goodness, and have experienced joy, peace,
healing, and protection from a loving
Savior. How is it, then, that we can have
"temporary insanity?" How can we possibly
go back to something far less than we now
have? Jeremiah 2:11 says, "... my people
have exchanged their Glory for worthless
idols."
How
can sin, in the many forms it takes (lust,
greed, pride,etc.), still have an
occasional hold on the born-again,
blood-bought life of a believer? After
accepting Jesus as my Savior 25 years ago,
you would think that I would know better.
I
could use the apostle Paul as an excuse.
In
Romans 7:15 he wrote,
I
do not understand what I do. For what I
want to do I do not do, but what I hate
I do.
Paul
was referring to the sinful nature within
us, which is constantly at war with our
spirit. Unfortunately, he later explains
that the Holy Spirit can give us the power
to live a godly life if we so desire.
There goes that excuse.
James
puts the matter to rest in
James 1:14.
...but each one is tempted when, by his
own evil desire, he is dragged away and
enticed.
Our
own will is a determining factor in
whether or not we will glorify our Father
in heaven or ourselves.
As
the father of two teenagers, I really do
want to be a godly example in their lives.
It will take sacrifice and commitment. It
will mean staying in the Word, praying,
being a part of a local body of believers
who share the same desire, fulfilling the
ministries He has given me, and using the
gifts God has given me.
No
one ever said that being a Christian would
be easy, but God promised that He would
never leave us nor forsake us. He has
always kept His Word, and now it's time
for me to keep mine.
Perhaps you will consider doing the same
thing. God could use a mighty army of men
and women moving out in the gifting and
callings He has placed deep within us.
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