maybe

As part of a quieter August, I've had some time to think & reflect. I expected this to happen although my planning suggested some theological study. Rather than that, I've ended up thinking about the 'simplicities' of life - in particular sin, patterns, habits & disciplines.

I've returned at times to 1 John, which, alongside love brings out a theme of walking in the light versus walking in the dark, the latter highlighting our choosing to practice sin.

No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. (1 John 3:6 MSG)

Think about it naturally, if you're walking in the light it is still possible to stumble (sin) occasionally but far more unlikely than if you are choosing to walk in the dark & practicing.

Last August, I heard a man talk about the 'Moment of Maybe'. He defined it brilliantly in a context of how we often end up choosing to sin & one year on, it lives large in my thinking.

Rather than going straight from a No, I'm not going to do that to a Yep, I'll do that, he suggests we go through Maybe...

- what would it be like if...
- how would it feel to...
- could I get away with...

His wise counsel was to spot the Moments where we move to Maybe, allow the Spirit to guide us & quickly return to a place of choosing not to sin - turn on the lights!

We see a couple of examples of how this can play out from the Apostles, even as Jesus was preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice...

Judas

Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him. (John 12:4 MSG)

It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal. (John 13:2 MSG)

As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him. "What you must do," said Jesus, "do. Do it and get it over with." (John 13:27 MSG)

Peter

Jesus said, "Don't be so sure. Today, this very night in fact, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." (Mark 14:30 MSG)

Just then the rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered how Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times." He collapsed in tears. (Mark 14:72 MSG)

For my part (& hopefully yours), this grounds itself most simply in a need to choose - will I choose to settle for the short term gratification of sin or choose the longer term rewards including a heavenly eternity?

As Deuteronomy spells out

I've brought you today to the crossroads of Blessing and Curse. (11:26 MSG)

Let's choose well - Jonathan