Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV)
All believers in Jesus are in process of being conformed into His image – and it takes a lifetime. We are not to blend any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our obstinate minds through God’s Word. This enables us, with His power, to go from strength to strength and glory to glory, standing firm in all His will, mature and fully assured. While God can do any miracle, I believe the greatest miracle His hand performs is transforming these wicked hearts of ours and making them go in a completely different leaning.
Make no mistake about it, though the world is excessively wicked, God will one day bring every sin into judgment and who knows if Christ’s return is drawing near when this will be effected? Sin is not His best for our lives, to say the least. All sin leads to death and He desires so much greater for us than that wallowing in the pig pen of ours. He looks for hearts broken in spirit - those who desire change – a turning from the transgression to Him - rather than simply a worthless “I’m sorry” without any behavioral difference. Seriously, what good does that do? We are accountable for our own actions therefore it greatly behooves us to be watchful against temptations especially those we are prone to wander towards. God is desirous of a heart change – for us to love Him more than the transgression. He is to be our greatest desire. This is always for our greatest good, BTW. Don’t fall prey to the world’s hype. We do well to be watchful, laying up the provisions of Scripture in our hearts against the approach of any temptation. When the enemy or even self draws near whispering in our ear, our hearts will then be well manned. When hearts are like this, a fleeing from the temptation takes place. This calls for a resolute mindset.
Keep the heart full of the love of God in Christ. This is the greatest protection against temptation. When we let the love of Christ control our actions, in the very ordinary course of walking with God, great peace and security followed by goodness and mercy will keep us from the turbulent disturbances of temptations.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23:1-6 (NIV)