Internet Cookies
Have you ever noticed that things follow you online? If you start looking at possibly ordering some flowers, then other pages show ads for flowers. You research different types of refrigerators and soon you get special offers for refrigerators. Smart people on the internet trace your activity to try to figure out what you are wanting to buy in order to get their products in front of you at the right time.
These things can be pretty helpful, but sometimes it’s just plain annoying. If you stumble and check out a website you wish you hadn’t, those same websites may just start becoming more available.
Spiritual Cookies
Things in the spiritual world also work this way. Galatians tell us that we reap what we sow. If we sow bad things, we will reap bad things. (Galatians 6:7-8). Satan doesn’t read your mind, but he has watched you long enough to know your temptations. Like a good marketer, he knows those things you are likely to buy, even if you know it’s not good for you.
This is why when you are harboring anger and unforgiveness, you will find that people will flock around you who are also angry and holding bitterness. If you focus on the bad things that can happen, you will start seeing more bad things. If you think your spouse is against you, you will translate everything they say as proof of their anger toward you.
Several years ago I read Alan Wright's Shame Off You (rebranded as Free Yourself, Be Yourself). It's a powerful book getting you to live and enjoy who God made you to be. Also check out Dr. James Richard's How to Stop the Pain for a good resource on refraining from judgement.
Tap Into This For Good
However, it’s also true that if we sow good things, we will reap good things. Jesus instructs us that we should be careful how we listen because whoever has will be given more (Luke 8:18). Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
We find that as we think about the things of God, we start understanding more and seeing more of God at work. The Holy Spirit is attracted to our efforts of holiness (Ephesians 4:30-31; 5:18-20). He gives us the desire and moves alongside us giving us the power to live holy lives. We can literally become a more Godly person by doing things that please the Lord.
It’s not that our actions make us righteous, but by intentionally deciding to do those things that are right and good, we find the Holy Spirit coming alongside us. He helps us and motivates us to continue to live this life.
Help For Our Prayers
Many of us are praying for God to help us in our lives. It may be to help us love someone, to have peace in a situation, or to increase our faith. If we step out in faith believing God for those things we have asked us Him, we will find that we have what we ask. This isn’t telling God what you want and assuming He will give it, but it is confidence that praying for things God said He wants you to have that He will give it.
As you make decisions to act as if He will do it, you will start to see evidence that He is in fact giving it to you. If you want to guard your mouth from foolish talk, then start intentionally saying encouraging things to people. You will start to notice that it will become easier to reign in negative talk.
You’re Not Meant To Do It Alone
When we make choices to live a certain way, we will start to make patterns for that kind of lifestyle. It is like forming habits. The first few steps may be difficult, but as we continue to press through, it becomes easier and easier until we actually make it easier to do those things we want than those things we don’t. Sometime the quickest way to become the person you want is to just be the person you want to experience.
God wants to help you become all that He is calling you into, but He will not force Himself on you. Start making choices today to do those things that please the Lord and all of heaven will come alongside you to help (Ephesians 5:8-10). The Christian life should only seem impossible if you were to do it yourself. Thankfully, God never meant for you to do it alone.