Do Over

The book I am listening to right now is called Rooms, and it is an interesting story line.  In some respects it is a typical topic for a work of Christian fiction.  The lead character is a successful businessman.  He has amassed a fortune in his software company, works insistently toward an unseen goal.  He believes he is happy because of his fame and fortune.  Then something happens to make him question life, especially his life.

Does this plot sound familiar?  The interesting turn to the story is one many struggle with after finding Jesus as the missing piece of life. Our hero wants to keep one foot in both worlds.  He is challenged at every turn, wanting to hang on to bits and pieces of his former life and incorporate them into his new one. He often doesn't even realize he is doing it.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (MSG)

 With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. 

Accepting Jesus into one's life is meant to be a clean break.  Who of us doesn't often dream of this; of starting all over again with a fresh slate? When we claim Jesus as LORD, that is exactly what happens for us. But the sinful nature will struggle against this and attempt to cling to the past. Temptations will rear up, but temptation is not sin.

The Good News is still good news. Jesus said we would have trouble; He said life would not be a rose garden. Each morning I start all over again, having taken an inventory of my actions and confessing my short comings before going to sleep at night, the morning offers a fresh start.

Romans 8:2 (MSG)  A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. 
2 Corinthians 7