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Describe the difference between not doing something because it’s not right and not doing something because it’s not what we most deeply want to do.What do you most deeply want to do?
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The difference is not doing something so we are right in our own and other people’s eyes as this boosts our fleshly ego, and not doing something because we based our choice on our inner convictions. I think we are more likely to do something if we don’t hold deep convictions about its wrongness, even when we know it is not right, and especially when it involves something others may see or are doing. If we hold deep convictions about something being wrong we are stronger to resist that thing, even when we are with other people who do that thing. It holds no appeal for us and neither does looking good in other’s eyes.
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To turn away from temptation because it’s not right is good, it’s obedient, but it’s not sustainable. If we turn away, with the knowledge that the something we desire more is readily available to us, and satisfies our souls- we will return to that path more often. Knowing that we can place our longings for lesser things in the hands of Christ and in exchange he offers more of Himself, there can be no greater satisfaction.
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At the core of our being, we bear the image of God. With that image we have a keen sense of right and wrong. To not do something because it is not right is to say I really want to get back at you for what you did to me; but it is not right for me to follow through on what I am thinking of doing to you. To not get back at someone because it is not what I most deeply want to do is to say I want to respond in a Christ like manner. I want God to get the glory out of my life. I want to go deeper in God. And should a situation like this happens again, I will be stronger and less impacted by it.
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Not doing something because it’s not right is I try to do so in my own strength–at least mostly, whereas not doing something because it’s not what I most deeply want to do is I do so because I know I have more important agenda, pursuing God which will not only please Him, but also will be helpful to others and again (I really know) will be most satisfying to me.
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The living from the “don’t” position can be accomplished in my own strength to my own glory. To live the same way (do or don’t do the same thing) from my deepest desires can look similar on the outside, but will be to God’s glory because I am dependent on the Spirit to live that way. I will want to do it, and the ability to do the right things will become more “natural” because they come out of who I now am.