Playing the Most Dangerous Game

Recognize what is Counterfeit

Via The Joshua Commission 

“Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.”‭‭- Joshua‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I know, as do you, what is right and holy and what is fake, counterfeit, a sin. But the fake (forbidden) is easy and available - and so often brings pleasure.  I wanted a pure marriage, but enjoyed temptations to flirt, to go a little deeper on that porn site. And i’d go to church and confess that past, but not really wanting to change. I told myself I would get around to it, but playing was changing my character. I hated the hypocrisy as it slid deeper into my life. Fast forward and I will not bring up details - I and others paid a price.  Losing sucked in this game. 

I look back and hardly recognize that man. I still stumble and get tempted or replay events in my mind - but that is not who I am. The fake robbed me of a lot, but the narrow path is where I fight to each day now. My confession is real, and my path has slowed down to try and focus on true north and holiness. 

We started this year with some pretty simple challenges - drink more water and eat healthier. Drinking a diet coke is not bad but it’s fake and you know it’s not healthy (and there is only one living water). However we each make decisions every day where the pieces build upon one another, become habits, become our character. 

"Habits matter. When your friends and family need you most, you won't have time to become someone new, only time to be who you already are…" — Anonymous

The challenges growing forward are going to get really deep and we all stumble. Some men use religion wrong and it becomes a sin- they can throw the scriptures but often it’s “do as I say not what I do”.   We push corners at work. Tell little white lies about being late for work.  We hide behind masks that do not fit us. 

David (Old Testament) is a fav model for so many of us - sinned and caught, and truly confessed  Why was that whacked out guy beloved by God? - he repented, and praised and worshiped our God in joy.  

Let’s move out. We got real rejoicing to do with each Holy step. 

Today’s challenge - Read Psalm 51 as you remember your sins offend our Father same as mine