Day 23: The Subtle Encroachment of the Sins of the Flesh
Intention
To be vigilant against the encroachment of the sins of the flesh.
Scripture
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.”
– Colossians 3:5–7
Reflection
As we pray for the restoration of sexual integrity in our nation this month, we recognise two main approaches to societal change.
The first focuses on external actions like protesting, activism, and legislation changes, based on the belief that evil exists outside the person and must be fought externally.
The second approach emphasises personal responsibility, with change starting in the heart of each individual. This is the biblical view. We must first confront and mortify the sin within ourselves, remaining vigilant so sin doesn’t revive through temptation.
Likewise, we must be watchful with our children, nurturing their character as one would tend a garden – planting, watering, weeding, protecting them from worldly corruption, and cultivating their character.
Additionally, as Paul notes for the Colossians, we who once lived in sin must be especially vigilant not to fall into disobedience again.
Falling into disobedience can be a gentle and silent process. But it is just as deadly.
Upon reflecting upon my own soul, I’m reminded of Hannah More (1745–1833). She was a poet, best-selling author, acclaimed playwright and anti-slavery campaigner (a contemporary of William Wilberforce). She was also a writer of religious tracts and one of the most influential female philanthropists of the Age of Revolution.
She passionately believed that education – coupled with an equal emphasis on nurturing Christian virtues – was the key to personal transformation and societal reform.
Hannah refers to the sins of the flesh coming against us with a “gentle and silent… approach, as unnoticeable as the silken chains they weave around the heart”.
But there is nothing gentle about the resultant ensnaring. These sins enslave us “more thoroughly than the most active and tumultuous vices.”
May the Lord have mercy on us as we seek first His righteousness within our hearts.
Video
Prayer
Holy Father, I humbly ask in Jesus’ name, that in Your mercy, You shine Your light into my soul and illuminate the high places that need to be destroyed.
Cleanse me and renew a right spirit within me. Thank You for Your undeserving favour.
Amen.
Author Bio
Cindy McGarvie is the National Director of Youth for Christ Australia. She met her husband, Rod, in the Australian Army, and together they served as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators for twelve years, raising five children on the mission field. Cindy and her husband live in Brisbane, Australia.
Prayer Points and Purpose for October 2024
- Revival and restoration of sexual integrity to renew the individual, revitalise marriages, restore families and protect children. Hebrews 13:4
- Revival, repentance and reformation of Australia. 2 Chronicles 7:14
- Revival, repentance and reformation of America. 2 Chronicles 7:14
- The Lamb that was slain may receive a reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:12
We invite you to support this prayer campaign by ordering your FREE copy of Break Through: 15 Keys to Supernatural Breakthrough, a book on prayer written by Warwick Marsh. Reading this book will multiply the effectiveness of your prayers. You can make a donation to the Canberra Declaration to help pay it forward and bless someone else to receive a free copy of Break Through.
Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:
DATES: Every night in October
TIME: 8 PM (AEDT); 7 PM (QLD); 7:30 PM (SA); 6:30 PM (NT); 5 PM (WA)
ZOOM LINK: zoom.us/j/776881184
Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.
View October 2024 Daily Devotionals: dailydeclaration.org.au/tag/sexual-integrity-2024
Photo courtesy of Adobe.
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Thank you Cindy, a very good word