In my last post, I talked about how succumbing to my addiction of sugar is not a “small” sin, yet I overlook it because it doesn’t seem like there will be “big” consequences. But we talked about how there aren’t “big” and “little” sins. Every sin shows our disregard for God’s grace and kindness.
I also mentioned how I’d decided to go without sugar for awhile to see how the Lord wanted to speak to me through that. I was humbled to think that demanding (there’s that concept again) to eat sugared foods is a sin like any sin–even adultery–when the Holy Spirit is telling me I’ve had enough or to abstain. What I also find in my penchant for anything sugar is how much it fascinates me. I can spend more time and effort thinking of my next dessert or how I can make sure to go by Starbucks and get a scone than the time and effort I make to study and meditate on the Word of God. That’s where I’m convinced my fascination with sugar is a temptation and reveals that the Lord isn’t as important to me as I say.
It’s been almost a week since I’ve gone without sugared foods. I have drawn closer to the Lord because when an opportunity for something sugar has presented itself, I’ve told the Lord, “You are more important to me, Lord.” In those moments, I felt like I was worshipping Him and honoring Him.
What’s sad is that two times, I ate something that I’d rather I didn’t, and my old belief that it’s “no big deal” is still in place. It was very hard to ask for forgiveness because, after all, what’s three bites of vanilla ice cream with only a little bit of fudge topping that Raffi didn’t eat? And what’s two bites of a spice cake when Raffi didn’t want it and there wasn’t anywhere to toss it? Well, all right, I did find a trash can not too far away.
So there’s still work to be done in my heart. But I’m so grateful the Lord is gracious and encouraging. He is pleased with my sacrifice and forgiving of my sins. He draws closer to me as He promised in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Until I looked up the exact wording of this verse, I was only going to include that phrase. But here’s the complete verse showing the context:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (NASB)
How do you become close to God? Through cleansing and purification. I’m experiencing that by recognizing that God is more important to me even than sugar. Or I should say “can be more important than sugar.” And I’m so grateful that God is patiently wooing me through this challenge.
