Sin BratFor I delight in the law of God in my inner being. But I see a different law in my members waging war against the law ofmy mind and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members. (Romans 7:22-23 NET_FL)

Spiritual growth only comes to me with bloody violence. My old Mr. Sin Nature is a wily beast. One of his tricks is showy enthusiasm for biblical head knowledge. He encourages me to memorize scripture, but his slimy goal is preoccupation from living out the truth.


Another Mr. Sin Nature tactic is to read the Bible too quickly. He won’t hold still under the stinging poultice of a few chosen words, and instead, prefers entertainment by the storyline. These and other ploys force me to sit on the urchin.

I begin in a place where I can be alone with Jesus. I ask what heart-work needs the most attention, then read no more than a chapter of Scripture. How I choose where to read matters little as God maneuvers any method to get me where he wants. I find he consistently points me to what I need. Next, I let the Spirit highlight the handful of words on which I’m to focus. Then I wrestle with my squirming old nature, and pin him under those words until he squeals, “I give.” Repentant prayer and brief journaling knock the final wind out of the monster.

I have to repeat this process each morning, because, after years of letting the sin nature run wild, he thinks he can poke his nose into every good thought. Only when I’m methodical and strong-handed is he containable. For now, I have to cohabit with the rascal, but I have another guest who forces him to sit in the corner. I need Jesus in my house at every hour. Not only does he pardon my keeping the sin-brat, he also helps me baby-sit the little wretch.

Prayer: Lion of Judah, this is war. Help me overcome myself.