The hour has come for [us] to wake up from [our] slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe [ourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:11–14, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “Pay no attention to that [old] man behind the curtain!” – The Wizard (Frank Morgan) in The Wizard of Oz (1939). We all have an “old man” or woman hiding behind the curtain. Prompting us to “put aside the [armor of light] and put on the [deeds of darkness].” At one time we were slaves to that man or woman. That sinful nature. But now, “brothers, [and sisters] we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature. For [we] did not receive a spirit that makes [us] a slave again to fear, but [we] received the Spirit of sonship.” (Romans 8:12, 14–15, NIV 1984). And that “Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26, NIV 1984).
My Advice – Actually, Paul’s. “So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16–17, NIV 1984).
How do we “live by the Spirit” and so “not gratify the desires of the sinful nature?”
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12–14, NIV 1984).
“Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV 1984).
These will help up to “just say no” to “that [old] man behind the curtain!”
The Brew Is A Musing 