When Jesus met the man He said, “Come out of this
man, you evil spirit!” Before driving out the evil spirits He asks
them, “What is your name? My name is Legion, he replied, for we are
many.” - Mark 5:9
I have always thought it a bit interesting that Jesus would ask that
question. After all Jesus is God. He knew what was wrong with this
man – he was possessed. But once the demons were identified then
Jesus healed the man, which brought about his transformation.
Perhaps the lesson for us is exactly the same: until we identify our
demons/issues that trouble and hamper us, and openly share them with
Jesus, they will continue to constrict our hearts preventing us from
experiencing true freedom and total transformation.
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It doesn’t take long to realize that what the Bible says is true –
no one is sinless. - Romans 3:23 And no matter how hard we try we
cannot free ourselves from our sin sickness. Resolutions give way.
Promises fail. Trying harder is an effort in futility.
All of these things are what Dallas Willard calls “sin management.”
We use our own effort and strength to try to control sin but nothing
works. While change on the outside might work on Sunday mornings, it
still leaves us empty and restless the other six days of the week.
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By relying on our own efforts only, the authentic and
abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10 will remain elusive
and unattainable.
But the Bible also reminds us that by identifying and
naming the sins that constrain us, it helps us to live a transformed
life.
At Easter we celebrate the bodily resurrection of Jesus and His
defeat of death by coming forth from the tomb. His resurrection
reminds us that we too can experience a life of renewal and complete
change. But similar to the man in Mark 5, He asks us to name the
issue(s) that hold us back from a life of transformation and
resurrection.
He knows you by name and recognizes the unique issues that need
attention in your life. Whatever is holding you back from authentic
transformation openly acknowledge it/them to Jesus. Whether it is
fear, guilt, shame, disappointment, etc. He has the power and
strength to free you from anything that hinders and keeps you from
experiencing a life of transformation.
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