Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

It should go without saying, but sin is destructive. It should go without saying, but so often we don’t want to believe it. We can recognize self-destructive behavior in others, yet stubbornly refuse to acknowledge it in ourselves. It is often and truly said that the first step to overcoming an addiction, for example, is to recognize you have a problem. We can be so very blind! The thing is, that applies to every area of life, and not just to things like alcohol. Eternal salvation requires repentance, which includes admitting you’ve been wrong, that is, you have a problem. We are addicted to sin, as surely as any crack addict is ensnared by their drug. We speak of “12 Step Programs,” but getting free starts with a couple of big steps, and then it’s every step for the rest of your life. The first step is of course recognition of the problem and the second step is believing God has provided a solution through the cross of Jesus Christ. However, some people get that far and don’t take the third step, which is accepting God’s solution into your own heart. That seems amazing, but pride can be that stubborn, and the devil’s lies can be remarkably effective. Once that third step is taken, the biggest part of the battle is won. However, it’s not over, because there must be daily, consistent follow-through, step by step. That’s why we can never say we’ve taken enough steps until God says so, and takes us home. However, once those first three steps are truly taken, the rest of the journey, though not necessarily easy, is filled with peace and joy that those who haven’t taken the first three steps know nothing about.

This is the story of my life, naturally enough, because it is for every child of God. The sad thing for me is that when I talk about it, all too often the response in my hearers is either thinking I’m bragging or thinking, “I could never be that good.” I’ve got to have the help of the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of those to whom I talk, so that they may hear the Good News of God’s salvation, know that they need it, and believe that it’s freely available to them. As a pastor in Japan it can be discouraging at times that so few people really take those first three steps. In every country, believers need to be encouraged – need to encourage one another – to keep taking one step after another after those first three, as Paul kept talking about in all his letters. (Colossians 3:16 and many, many more) I am never to give up, but keep taking one step after another myself, keeping the eyes of my heart fixed on Christ so that I may walk in His peace and joy.

Father, thank You for the testimony from the brother Sunday on the anniversary of his baptism. That was unsolicited and unexpected, and it was a real comfort and encouragement to me. Help me be faithfully obedient to You and leave the results up to You, so that Your will may be done in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!