Finishing Well

     Over the last decade I have been disappointed again and again by various Christian leaders who fell morally in some way.  Clearly some were not really Christians, they were wolves in sheep clothing.  But in my opinion many others are Christians who gave in and fell in some way.  Let’s be honest, temptation is a regular companion for all Christians.  The temptation to be proud, lustful, greedy or selfish is always calling.  We are all individuals, and so we all have different temptations that pull on us.  For example, getting drunk with alcohol has no appeal to me but pride and selfishness are more enticing.  Every Christian I know wants to finish well.  We want to exhibit character that reflects the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22, 23).   But to walk these out is difficult.  For example, when I do individual spiritual plans with people, self control is one trait that I hear often is a real struggle.  Most of the young men I do these plans with admit to struggling with porn use.  Another example, I am overweight which exposes a struggle to live out self control with food.  So how do we grow in our fight against temptation?
     First, identify the most powerful temptations for you.  If your struggle is porn acknowledge it.  Get curious about it.  Why does this sin have such a strong pull on you?  When are you most likely to stumble?   Do your closest friends participate in this sin as well, do they excuse it or even encourage it?  Insights from these questions can help you fight it.  Noticing that your porn use usually happens late at night on TV after your spouse goes to bed is critical information.  A simple yet helpful technique is to go to bed early or when your spouse goes to bed retire then. 
      Second, memorize Scriptures that deal with your area of weakness.  If lying is a problem, memorize the ninth commandment from the big ten (Exodus 20:16) along with other Scriptures about truth.  You might think this method is too simple to work but this appears to be the primary method of Jesus himself.  In Matthew 4 where Jesus is tempted by Satan Jesus responds to each temptation by saying “It is written . . .,” and quotes Scripture.  If memorizing Scripture was helpful to the Son of God, the only one to ever live a sinless life, it will be helpful to us as well.     
     Finally, make sure your closest relationships are Christian people who share your commitment to holiness.  A bad friend group has led many down the wrong road.  Paul writes, “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).  We all need people in our life who will challenge us and call us to live holy lives.  In Proverbs the Spirit reminds us that “iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). An accountability partner or even group can be very helpful in encouraging walking in holiness. 
     Please avoid being another disappointing story.  Let’s live a life that makes God smile.  Let’s finish well. 
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church