You swine--Me swine

November 21, 2018 - Mark 5:1-20 is the amazing story of when Jesus encountered the crazy, naked man who was possessed by an entire legion of demons. Jesus cast the demons out into a heard of pigs that subsequently ran off a cliff into the sea below and drowned. Afterward, the townspeople came out and asked Jesus to leave. That always seemed strange to me… until today. How often are we just the same? We love the familiar, drug-like hit of our favorite sin. Pride. Lust. Envy. What is it for you? Okay, okay, I agree, this isn’t how we want to live, so how can we recognize when this is happening and change course before temptation gives birth to sin? It all starts with reasoning. We begin to justify our sin. Phrases like, “It’s not so bad,” or, “God understands, it’s just a part of my struggle,” are definitely a good indicator that we’re headed in the wrong direction. We can sometimes even flip it and get mad at God and despise the fact that something is indeed “sin.” It’s at this point that we cry out to God and give thanks for his amazing patience and forgiveness.

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I totally left myself hanging back then. The truth is, if temptation has progressed to the point of justification and anger, chances are slim that you’re going to find the strength to apply the brakes and change your direction. The real key is developing the habit of praying on God’s armor and submitting fully to him as you begin every day. Secondly, develop a sensitivity to the spirit so you can recognize temptation or the presence of any demonic principality or power the moment it draws near to you. Then, stop what you’re doing, bring the cross of Christ and his resurrection between you and the spirit or temptation, and command it to leave in the name of Jesus and by his authority. This takes practice and persistence. Keep at it and you, too, will experience victory. #james4:7style

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