I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
There is a subtle power in which past sins can hold their own attraction in the memory. When memory looks back and feels that, given the same situation, you would make the same choice, it is a sure sign that repentance is not complete.
Imagination is a more influential member of the Board than many people realize. Many of our highest achievements and most of our greatest disasters begin there. Imagination has enormous capacity for good or for evil.
Use the power of imagination to connect the temptation you are confronted with, to the suffering of Jesus for sin on the cross. Think about Christ crucified. Think about Him nailed to the cross. This is what pride did. Think about his head crowned with thorns. This is what lust did.
Come into the soul of a man who is facing a temptation he has given into many times before:
“I find myself pulled in many directions,” says Heart, “but one pull is stronger that all the others. I love Jesus, and I cannot do what would grieve Him.”
“Yes,” says Mind. “I agree. I cannot support what God hates.”
“I made the original suggestion,” says Imagination, “but I have been talking with Memory, and he has reminded me of what this did to Christ. I have been picturing what it did to Him, and I can no longer enjoy that.”
“We have been discussing this long enough,” says Conscience. “I move that we refuse the proposal, and that we note our decision as the commitment of the soul for any future times when the same issue might arise.”
“Call the question,” says Will.
The motion was carried unanimously.
What temptation do you need to connect with Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
