Now that I have your attention... let me assure you that what you are about to read is not a fictional story, but is an actual, factual account of what really happened one day in 1985!
Picture if you will, a beautiful dog, 50% Siberian Huskey, and 50% wolf. His name was Mitch, and he was my buddy. We had only been together for a few months, when one spring day, I noticed his stomach all swelled up, and as tight as a balloon. I called the vet and asked frantically for his advice... I thought my dog was going to blow up... no lie!
Much to my surprise, the doctor suggested that I feed my dog some Pepto Bismol (R), which is exactly what I did! Mitch lapped it up, and within about 5 minutes, started to heave... There was no time for me to react, and there went my dog... hurling his innards out all over the floor! He was a non-stop chunk-blowing machine for the next several minutes, and I had a huge pink and nasty colored puddle on my floor before all was said and done. (Are you regretting looking into this devotional yet?)
Well, I went to go get some cleaning supplies, and when I got back, I saw something that totally horrified me!! There was my dog, apparently feeling better... well enough to eat... and he WAS EATING HIS OWN VOMIT!!! I about lost my own innards on this one... and I can tell you, it was a visual lesson I will never forget!
Now, given that wonderful scenario, allow me to ask you a question. Have you ever done something that you KNEW was wrong, but you did it anyway... only to beg for forgiveness from the Lord, and vow to turn over a new leaf, and then go out and do it all over again?? I have! I honestly believe that we all struggle with what is termed, "repetitive" sin, which is simply those pet sins of ours that we keep falling back on. It's kind of like an addiction thing!
Well, the Bible says that we are very much like the dog that returns to his own vomit when we return to the things of the sinful nature. No one I know would go to a restaurant and order up a Puke Sandwich, but we all seem to go right back to the sins that we love so much... which have a far more significant and eternal consequence.
Don't take my word for it... it's both in the Old Testament (Proverbs 26:11), and in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:22). The Proverbs reference makes use of another word, which truly is the Old Testament "F" word... Fool! I want NOTHING to do with that kind of a description, and I suggest you take a similar stance.
So, how do we get rid of the repetetive sin in our lives?? Well, I suggest that we first repent of the sin. One pastor's description of repentance is, "turning toward God"... rather than away from the sin. In either case, we must acknowledge the presence of the problem, and then turn toward God to receive forgiveness.
From there, I believe it imperative to "fill up" with the things of the Lord. We cannot just expect a simple, "I'm sorry" to carry us through - not with the sins we really LIKE to do... No, we need to replace the void created by the absence of that sin with the Word of God. That's right - I suggest we pick up our Bibles, and crack the covers... get into what the Lord would have for you - and watch your life grow and mature!
Thank you for your attention. Next week's devotional won't be so gross... I promise!