“He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.” Proverbs 18:1 AMP
The writer of Proverbs is giving us a very important piece of wisdom. The focus of this warning is two-fold. The first warns us that separation from God is caused by us seeking our own desires instead of God’s! The Apostle Paul warned the Galatians about perusing the desires of the flesh.
“But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].17For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 AMP
Do you see it? The desires of the flesh are carried out impulsively without regard for God’s precepts! He goes on to tell us that those things done impulsively are in conflict with that which we know is correct. If we truly desire to be free from the impulses, then we must turn our attention to our relationship with God and His power to break the bond of addiction! Our enemy, Satan, would tell us that we have passed the point of no return regarding our relationship with our Lord and Father. That my friends is a lie! Jesus did not die to convict us of our sin but rather to free us from its power! The Scripture addresses this issue clearly.
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool. 19“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the best of the land;” Isaiah 1:18 AMP
The first step is to settle your account with God so that you can “eat the best of the land!” The second thing we see is that we must not separate ourselves from others. Accountability is of paramount importance in the battle to be free of sin and addiction. Many great men and women have fallen pray to the lie that they can “do it on their own.” The Holy Spirit gave us an important practice in regard to this.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and. persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16 AMP
This order wasn’t in regard to getting absolution for sin from a man. It was meant to connect us together since we are all suffering under the weight of sin. Notice that our verse warns that it is “against sound wisdom” to reject accountability in regard to our sin or addiction. Separating ourselves from others and accountability is what got us into this mess to begin with! Confession is saying the same thing as God does about sin or having the same perspective on sin as God does. It involves identifying sin for what it truly is, honestly acknowledging the offenses we have committed. Confession also should include an attitude of turning away from sin. The key is realizing that we do not have power over it but that in our weakness He can demonstrate His power! Let me encourage you today to be in agreement with God. If you have never settled your account with Him, He is waiting with arms open wide to pour out His forgiveness and blessings! Have an accountable day, Pastor Ken