Sin Thrives in An Empty Heart

"When sin lets us alone we may let sin alone; but as sin is never less quiet than when it seems to be most quiet, and its waters are for the most part deep when they are still, so ought our contrivances against it to be vigorous at all times and in all situations." - John Owen

There is nothing more joyful than when someone makes the decision to come to Jesus Christ. The feelings may run the gamut from total exhilaration to quiet relief; and everywhere in between. No matter when, where, or how it happened; being born again in Christ is something that you will never forget.

When we undergo rebirth in Jesus Christ, this includes an inner, spiritual cleansing; a purging of one's old, sinful ways. Your heart is thus purified in preparation to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. It is a make-over or renewal of sorts. In essence, if we are in Christ, we are a "new creature." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

But, as exciting and wonderful as this all is, we need to be alert here. Some will make a critical mistake at this juncture, and the consequences are not good. Think of being "born again" as just the beginning of a long, journey; a lifetime sojourn. This is what many fail to understand.

Though your spiritually renewed heart may presently be brimming with Jesus Christ, it must be constantly maintained in order to keep it so. Like a tender, young plant, it must be nourished and cultivated to keep it healthy and productive.

Bad habits, addictions, behaviors, etc., can always return. Simply because they have been subdued for now doesn't mean they are dead. Sin never really dies. It just goes off and waits for an opportune moment to reappear.

If we don't manage our hearts by keeping it filled with Christ, it will be replenished with something else: Sin. Most of us keep our vehicles in good running order by having scheduled maintenance work done to them. This same analogy applies to our "reborn" hearts.

The good news is that it really is quite easy to do. And although you've probably heard it before, it is definitely worth a minute or two to hear it again. Put yourself on a daily Bible reading schedule and read it. This is our main source of spiritual food.

Prayer is our direct link to Jesus Christ. Not very good at praying, you say? Why not start with the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. You can always build from there. The important thing is to get into a routine of daily prayer!

Find a good, Bible-based church in your area and start attending. A community of fellow believers is an excellent source of support, comfort, and fellowship. There may come a time when you will be glad for their friendship.

In the end, by following these basic principles, we can keep our hearts and minds replete with thoughts of Jesus Christ. So much so, that there won't be any room for sin to squeeze back in at all! Keep your heart filled with Christ at all times and live as abundantly as He desires for you. (John 10:10)

Scripture: Romans 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:12;  Colossians 3:10

Prayer: Dear Lord, may I never forget that You showed Your love for me in that while I was still a sinner, You died for me. Amen

May God bless you!

Gretchen