Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:25
We all have a lever in which we pull it to steer our actions in different directions. It’s connected to our “will” but it is more defined as the last step in our minds to engage in taking action. Some will think about pulling the lever, but hesitate. Some feel as if they are bound up with the lever always stuck in one direction. Sometimes we go in right directions and other times it ends in disaster. How does this work for our good?
When Cain was upset that Abel’s sacrifice was acceptable to God and his was not, he and God had a conversation.
but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:5-6 NIV
Scenario #1 Cain had the choice to rule over sinful behavior. He was in control of the lever. He would have a constant battle between choosing right and wrong. Like all of us, we can make wrong decisions even when we know the right choices to make. When God evaluated us and said that all have sinned, He was referring to the cycle of doing good sometimes and choosing wrong at other times. We have all failed and are incapable of choosing right all of the time.
Scenario #2 When we give into sinful choices, it now takes over the lever of your will. Sin is holding on to our lever. This bondage to sin comes as we have failed repeatedly in sinful behavior, thereby inviting sin to hold us in bondage. This slavery to sin is real, It is not only for addictions of drugs and alcohol, it also includes lustful thoughts, angry outburst, criticalness of others, gluttony and the list goes on. Sin is ruling, reigning and pulling your lever. Helpless and without hope are the mantra for this person.
Scenario #3 Give the lever of your will to God. The old nature screams at this point…don’t give up control…you are not that bad…you can do better…you can make better choices next time…JUST don’t give up control. God who created us, is waiting for the invitation to pull your lever toward wholeness and His life.
God’s remedy for Scenario #1 is the forgiveness of SIN’s imprint on our lives through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. There is no other path for sin to be removed outside of Jesus. The cycle of trying to be good enough will always fail. Jesus removes every blot of sin from our lives.
God’s remedy for Scenario #2 is deliverance. This is included as part of salvation, but not everyone leans into this benefit. It will include confession, possibly breakage of family curses, and perhaps demonic deliverance. Freedom courses address the deliverance from the bondage of sin’s grip. Jesus came to set the prisoner free. His freedom is for all who would come. Even Christians can remain in this type of bondage even though the penalty for sins are forgiven.
Scenario #3 The infilling and presence of the Holy Spirit is God’s answer for those who give Him their lever. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is “self-control”. Those who live according to the Spirit are allowing Him to pull the lever to control one’s self. He will lead you to love, life, and power for holy living. It is more than not choosing wrong, He leads you to paths of righteousness. He provides His kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy to be the atmosphere of the air you breathe. You will begin to see others from His perspective which opens up blessings and life for them and you,
So, who is pulling your lever? Are you still thinking you can control your life? How’s that working for you? Do you feel like your lever is stuck in self-destruction?
There is a peaceful valley which Jesus provides for all who follow His leading. Right now, today, give Him control of your lever. Say it aloud. “Jesus, you can lead me in any direction you desire. I will follow the voice of your Spirit. Amen”
Maybe you want to put up a PostIt note – Who is Pulling My Lever? Jesus, you can have control over all of my life.
Blessing, Love y’all