Last Autumn our church had a mouse problem. These critters took over the church kitchen! The trustees tried to address the problem but to no avail, so an exterminator was called. Their efforts helped but didn’t eliminate the problem. It wasn’t till the entry points that the mice used to get in from the surrounding woods were discovered and closed off that the problem was brought under control.
Sin is a lot like those mice at the church. Evil or wrong actions enter our lives subtly, often unnoticed at first, like one or two mice. It tempts us with small compromises or distractions that grow into larger problems, like the mice overrunning the church kitchen.
In Genesis 4:7 God says to Cain, “Sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it." How do we overcome sin? How do we keep those pesky sinful thoughts and actions from multiplying like prolific mice? God’s Word gives us the “how” and His Spirit gives us the “means”.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 offers four Biblical steps to overcoming sin. “Flee from all destructive and wicked behaviors and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Flee, pursue, fight, and take hold—four practical steps we can take in overcoming sin.
And we are not alone in our battle with sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out.”
So when you feel temptation calling and sin multiplying like the mouse problem at church, flee, pursue, fight, take hold, and look for that escape route God promises to provide!
Be encouraged!
