Tug of War

I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t.

I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

Romans 8:18-19 (NLT)

Autism-induced meltdowns are usually triggered by feeling overwhelmed. Young individuals with autism often have very little control over their actions when they are in full meltdown mode. Although they typically regret their negative response afterward, they find it nearly impossible to stop their negative behavior amid a meltdown. As they mature, they acquire coping mechanisms and learn ways to handle their anxiety.

            Paul understood this inner tug-of-war. He says in verse 15, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Sin is like a magnet, enticing us towards actions that are not pleasing to God. We know they are sinful because God’s Word, our God-given conscience, and the Holy Spirit living within us, all warn us against them.

            Paul goes on to say in verse 23, “There is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am!”

Paul discovered the key to undesirable behavior; Jesus. He tells us in verse 25, “The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Paul understood he could never conquer sin through self-will, or by his own power. Only Christ could win over sin because He is greater than sin’s master.

            One day, sin will no longer have any power over us. We will be freed once and for all from sin’s strong lure. Until then, we can acquire coping skills that enable to us resist the devil’s lies such as reading God’s Word regularly, praying, and linking arms with fellow believers so we are more prone to stand firm against the power of sin. There is a tug-of-war going on inside each of us. Which side will win, depends on us. As for me, I’m on the side that’s pulling for God.

Thought: “The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you.” – Rick Warren

For further reading:

• Psalm 119:105
• Mark 7:20-23
• Titus 3:3-7
• Hebrews 3:13