Insanity

Someone once told me the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over expecting different results." And though the thought isn't in line with the Biblical lifestyle, I had to sadly smile at the parallel we CAN draw to the Christian life and how we CAN take that and make our lives in line with the Bible.

Sin, in general, is an insane thing. It started with the serpent, Eve and Adam. It continued with Cain. And it has been passed down from each generations. Christians are not exempt from sin. Christians sin all the time, we just know that we need to ask for forgiveness and repent. Paul illustrates how insane sin is... just from the internal battle alone. He says in Romans 7:14-20 "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." The insanity also comes from not following the path God has set forth and expecting to be at peace with the decision to not follow the Spirit. But, still the Christian sins and expects a different result of being at peace.

How does one prevent -- or lessen? -- this insanity?

For one thing, prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says "17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Prayer brings the Christian closer to God and gives them complete peace in every situation. This peace surpasses ALL (human) understanding (see Philippians 4:7). When a Christian is in prayer, there is a connection with God. You understand what God wants for your life and you literally can hear Him speak to you! It may not be audible, but it is very clear when He is leading you and when he is not. Another reason to be in prayer other than sensing where God is bringing you, this is when sin is revealed! For this, read Psalm 139 - the whole thing.

The other thing to do is remain in God's word. Every day. Maybe multiple times a day. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." but it is better to read the entire chapter. :) There is a saying in some Christian circles saying BIBLE is really an acrostic and that it means "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth". As elementary as that sounds, there is a huge amount of truth to that!! The Bible is God's love letter to us... Christians. And reading it keeps us focused and away from the insanity of sin.