A few years ago, our family moved to a home with a central vacuum system which was luxurious after lugging a heavy vacuum up and down stairs at our old place. One nice feature of the central vacuum was an outlet in the garage which was perfect for cleaning our cars. As the designated car maintenance-person, I soon discovered the convenience of using the system and I frequently finished up a weekend of cleaning with a thorough vacuuming. The problem was that I found myself doing the job at an incredible speed – I couldn’t stop rushing! Even my wife noticed and asked why I was moving so quickly and recommended I slow down. But it was virtually impossible for me to accede to her request – I was wired to vacuum quickly.
After a month or so, I diagnosed my problem: after a couple of decades of using the coin-operated vacuum systems at local service stations, I was obliged to rush to save money! A toonie or two would do the job, but I needed to be speedy in order to accomplish the task.
I suppose we all have relatively bad habits that are hard to break.
The coffee drinker, for example, would have difficulty beginning the day without a cup, either at home or from a restaurant on the way to work. The person who enjoys a regular snack of cake or other sweet dessert, would miss the treat if it was suddenly not available.
Some habits, of course, are more troubling. An addiction to alcohol, marijuana or some other drug can be difficult to conquer. Pornography, an inappropriate relationship, or overt greed can be all-consuming for some.
The Bible talks about this when it discusses sin – those are all the bad things you have done – and reveals that, “whoever sins is a slave to sin.” Elsewhere in the Bible it says, “Who can say I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?”
If we are honest with ourselves, we would all acknowledge our capacity for evil, our propensity to embrace a bad habit or behaviour.
As you are reading this you may be aware of a habit which has gripped you and is causing you to feel defeated and empty.
It could be something secret, an addiction that is hidden from even your closest friend or family members.
But there is hope: there is a way of escape! Perhaps you are familiar with this Bible verse: “For God so loved the world he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God sent Christ, his son, who was perfect, to die in your place, once and for all, on the cross, for your sins.
You don’t have to do it alone – you don’t have to accept your life the way it is.
Call upon God today – through Christ – and ask him to come into your life, to give you his power to overcome evil.
Don’t wait – seek him today. Confess your sins and start fresh with a life that honours God and gives you hope for tomorrow.
Simon Gibson was a former MLA for Abbotsford/Mission and has served on Abbotsford Council. He was an instructor/professor at Trinity Western University and UFV. He and his wife Joy attend church in Abbotsford.
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