Messages
| Let Go and Let God | 8.31.09 |
MosThose who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6, NIV
In a lot of ways, we're like monkeys (who, incidentally, I don't believe are our ancestors) who won't let go when they're caught in a trap.
In order to catch them, cages are set up with something inside that is highly attractive to them (a banana, for example). A hole is constructed to be large enough for a monkey to fit in its hand. But after the monkey reaches inside the cage and clutches the banana, he cannot bring his hand back out of the hole, as it is not big enough to fit a fist that is now holding a banana.
So there the monkey sits, focused on its "prize" and refusing to let go. There is virtually no activity and a lot less living being done. And the monkey has no clue that destruction is on its way, namely in the form of a hunter who is ready to put the primate out of its misery. Forever. And ever. Amen.
Now monkeys are known to be a little quicker mentally than most of the other creatures of the animal kingdom. But in situations like this, they are as dumb as doorknobs. All it would take for a monkey to free itself would be to let go of the banana. But once it is in its grasp, a monkey will not let go of something it wants so desperately.
Think about what in your life causes you to cling so tightly. What is it that you will not let go of? Is it an object? How about a job? Or a relationship? Or could it be alcohol, drugs, money or possessions?
As the verse for today says, "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires."
Now, let's get really honest about that. What is your mind set on right now? Is it set on "what the Spirit desires?" And if so, is it "life and peace?" Or is there chaos and confusion. Fearfulness and pride. Stubbornness and disobedience.
Just like the monkey, when we refuse to let go, we are immobile and certainly not going anywhere on our spiritual journeys. Because we are not available, God is waiting on us to do what he wills in our lives. We have no clue what life and peace we are missing! No clue. We are fixated and trapped in our own selfish desires. And what we think is "the prize" is not even close to the blessings of a life spent following Christ.
Remember today that HE is the One from whom all blessings flow. And there is no earthly comparison worth holding in our grip.
Tim Carlisle