Read John 13:18-30. Part 2
Evil Thoughts Equals Evil Behaviors.
During the Passover meal, Jesus said there was one disciple who was not clean, meaning within his soul. He also said this disciple would betray him. They asked who would betray him. Jesus said, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread….” Then he gave it to Judas. And it says, as soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. Then Judas went out to begin his steps of betrayal.
The heart of Judas was evil and it was confirmed when he took the bread. He could have said “NO” to Jesus and refused the bread as a way of saying, “I’m not going to betray you.” But he took it because his heart was evil and he had an evil intent. That seed had already been planted in his heart. He had already been planning what he was going to do to betray Jesus. He couldn’t say “NO” because his thought process hadn’t changed.
What do you have a hard time saying “NO” to? In fact, you know it’s not right but you can’t say no. And for some, you struggle with guilt and shame. At some point you have to make the conscious decision to put a stop to the behavior. You have to want to change and you have to realize you can’t do it alone. You need Jesus and you may even need the body of Christ to come alongside and hold you accountable. It’s at that point you begin to change everything:
You change places that you used to go to. You change people you hang out with. You protect yourself from the very things that triggers your behaviors. You need accountability. You need to invest your life more in the things of the Lord. Have that heartfelt quality time during your daily devotions with the Lord. Be in the Scriptures and pray. Surround yourself with godly people. Make Church fellowship a priority and I don’t mean just once a week. Get involved in a church. Be a part of a men’s or women’s group, or youth group, where you can encourage each other and be accountable to one another. Your Spiritual development is not a game. It’s a matter of life and death. Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility. Do whatever possible to surrender the evil thought processes so they don’t result in evil behaviors. I could have said a whole lot more, but I hope this helps.
