#1: LETTING THE OPINION OF OTHERS CONTROL YOUR LIFE
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Story of Mary – she was a virgin, bethrothed and ready to marry as one like any other girl. Yet she allowed the will of God to define who she became, not the opinion of others.
#2 BEARING SHAME OF PAST FAILURES
Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. NKJV.
Contrast between two disciples – Judas and Peter. Judas condemned himself (so scripture could be fulfilled) but Peter submitted himself to the Lordship of Christ and was restored.
#3 BEING INDECISIVE ABOUT WHAT WE WANT
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
- Starting and never finishing; promising and never delivering; unstable etc
- Jacob Wrestled with God all night for he was determined and decided that what he wants is a blessing from the Lord.
- Given power of choice. My belief that our lives will unfold according to the choices we make. If I choose to live right, righteousness becomes my portion; If I choose to live in sin – death becomes my portion because the wages of sin is death.
- Jer 29:11
# 4 PROCRASTINATING ON GOALS WHICH MATTER
Story in Acts 10 – Peter saving Cornelius
- Both Cornelius and Peter did not procrastinate
- Procrastination is really a carnal synonym for disobedience.
- We procrastinate for many reasons, mainly fear. Bible says where perfect love exists, fear ceases. So we need to look to Jesus who is author and finisher of our faith for every minute detail of our lives. Maybe you’re a single father and your daughter is in puberty, you now need to start that uncomfortable talk – take it to God to speak through you; maybe you’re a couple and your marriage is falling apart because you don’t want to face the giant Goliath and his threats. Man up today and just face it!
# 5 YOUR NEED TO BE RIGHT
Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
There’s a saying that goes: you may win the battle but lose the war. Which is better? You decide. But I say if there’s someone you’re in conflict with because of this particular issue – make right. Make right now while there’s still time.
#6 NOT APPRECIATING THE PRESENT MOMENT
Eccl 8: 18-20 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.