You may not remember a song from the 60’s titled, “Make It Easy on Yourself” but I thought of that song as I read some of Gary Thomas’s comments in his latest book The Beautiful Fight (which I highly recommend). After quoting 2 Peter 1:4 (we “may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires:) he writes, “In the Greek text, the grammar has us escaping the corruption of the world as a precursor to participating in the divine nature; that is ‘we may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.’ Sin has transformational consequences–it squelches God’s work within us. In fact, one commentator’s definition of this ‘corruption’ is ‘the disintegrating power of evil.’ That’s a remarkable image.”
He continues, “Sin does indeed blind our eyes, anesthetize our spiritual senses, and lead us into many destructive illusions. As sin begins to creep into more and more parts of our lives, we grow increasingly deadened to God, as well as to the world he created.” (pg 47).
After reading his words, I had these thoughts:
*The more we give in to sin, the harder it is to obey.
*Every “little” “no” to God compounds our reluctance to say “yes” to God.
*There is no “little” sin. And there is no “little” obedience. Every choice has impact in future disobedience or obedience.
*Every time we sin it takes more gumption/determination (don’t know that’s the right word) to obey the next time we’re tempted.
*It’s like being consistent in disciplining a child. Every time you ignore disobedience, it takes even longer/more times of being consistent, to convince that child that you mean it.
*Every time we cooperate with God in obedience which develops holiness, we make it easier on ourselves.
So if you know the tune, sing along, “Make it easier on myself!”