IT’S IN THE DETAILS!

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.  But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians chapter 5, verses 17 thru 21; from the New Living Translation (NLT) (emphasis mine)

It’s been over a year and it should be finished by now. In the State of Alabama, it only takes 6 months to probate an estate. But it’s not! And it’s all because this alleged attorney who allegedly specializes in estate law left out some details–important details! I’ve confessed and repented to God, and now I will to you, also. I allowed this alleged attorney to lead me into forgetting the peace of Christ and patience. Please forgive me because I’m the one who is called to live by the standard. But with all my wrong choices yesterday, The Spirit manages to teach me something–something important! IF I am listening. And I was this morning.

Ever heard the expression The Devil Is In The Details? It means the details of a matter create the biggest problems. Am I right? Of course, I am! My former (the United Methodist Church) tribal leaders are, and have been for some time, preaching and teaching that the details, the details of living a Holy Life, are not to be found in The Bible. The only thing that matters is love. And this kind of love can only be expressed in terms of acceptance and approval. And all those details about sin revealed in Scripture and by The Holy Spirit? They simply don’t exist. Thus, sexuality is determined by feelings, which is simply another way of saying sinful nature. Ignoring the details has exploded, making the church impotent, and unleashed gender dysphoria.

Amazing (but not really) how progressive theology overlooks what Paul told this church in Galatia. Read and reflect on the opening line in verse 17: The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. This sinful nature is what is in all of us and controls all of us–that is–until we admit we are a sinner and get sick and tired of being controlled by that sinful nature and ask God to transform us by giving us a New Nature. News Flash: the sinful nature is revealed in the details of sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Disagree with Paul? Disagree with me? Well, guess what??? You’re still wrong! And if you, and my former tribal leaders, persist in this current course of disregarding the details of the sinful nature, then anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Yesterday afternoon, and into the evening, I opened the door to my old sinful nature. And it was ugly; I mean pure ol’ ugly, you-ain’t-got-no-alibi-ugly! And the disgusting irony of it all is that while I was grumbling and complaining about an alleged attorney who forgot the details, I had forgotten the details. Yes, the Devil is in the details. But so is God! In this Sacred and Precious Word we call “The Bible” is every detail we need to recognize and live the Holy Life–which is the ONLY life that God wants from us. I leave you with a challenge from Paul, one he gave to another church–and to all future Followers Of Jesus!

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians chapter 4, verses 22 thru 24; NLT; (emphasis mine)

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Details, Man, Details!

Last night I completed yet another course in another advanced degree from The School Of Experience! I decided to go pick up a few things at Sam’s Club. More context: The nearest Sam’s Club is about 45 miles away. I thought (my first mistake), “Well, it’s late Sunday afternoon, surely all the Black Friday shoppers are at home admiring their latest conquests.” So, I get ready and head out. This was my second mistake.

My first stop, though, was to stop by at the local nursing home for a party. One of those given to me in my care grandmother resides there. They were having a birthday party–she will be 100 years old on Wednesday. After enjoying the time there and talking with her, I headed out to Tuscaloosa. It was an uneventful trip; that is, until I got to the intersection of McFarland Boulevard and Skyland Boulevard.

Sam’s closes at 6:00 p.m. I arrived at that intersection at 5:04. I wasn’t worried because I wouldn’t be in there that long. After several cycles of changing lights, at 5:15 p.m. I got through the intersection. No problem. Still have time. I found a parking place; got out of my car; locked the doors and headed to the entrance. As is my habit, as I walked I reached into my pocket to get my Sam’s Card out. . .

Here’s why I completed another course for another advanced degree from The School Of Experience. Imagine my frustration when my hand discovered I forgot one thing: The Billfold. I had my keys, put on a cap, holstered the Ruger (I have a concealed carry permit), grabbed my sunglasses, and put on a jacket. Only one detail I forgot; and it was the most important one.

There was a time, not all that long ago, I would have allowed my frustration to take over my feelings. But I didn’t; that was the Holy Spirit working in me. I called my wife, Debbie, and when she answered I said, “Call me an idiot!” She asked me why and I told her just call me an idiot–with which she complied! Then I told her what had just happened and we got a big laugh out of it.

On the way home I was thankful–thankful I had enough gas in the tank to get home because gas is about 15-20 cents cheaper and I always fill up when leaving Tuscaloosa. After talking to Debbie, I pulled up the Andy Andrew podcasts and enjoyed a better learning experience.

And if you have not figured out the lesson I learned from this latest course in The School Of Experience, here it is: PAY ATTENTION TO ALL THE DETAILS! And the most important thing is to seek out the most important detail of all. No, not the billfold. If you just thought that, then you failed the course, and will have to take it again.

The most important detail is seeking and inviting God to be with you wherever you go and whatever you do. Talk with Him. Listen to Him. Who knows, maybe the 4 of you (remember that God is Father, Son, AND Holy Spirit) will have a good laugh together like we did in the parking lot of Sam’s Club. I leave you with these thoughts:

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

Love God with all your heart. Love others the way Jesus loves you. And make sure all the glory goes to Him! Now, please excuse me. I need to shopping this morning. . .and yes. . .I will have my billfold with me.