I remember a game show on TV called “Truth or Consequences” (1957-1973). On the show, contestants received roughly two seconds to answer a trivia question correctly (usually an off-the-wall question that no one would be able to answer correctly, or a bad joke) before "Beulah the Buzzer" sounded. Failing to complete this "truth" portion meant that the contestant had to face "consequences," typically an embarrassing stunt.

Most of us have lived or are living a “Truth or Consequences” existence in our Christian lives. The “truth” is that we have allowed a sinful thought pattern to take hold of our minds our emotions and even our inner natures. We will see that these “sinful thought patterns” lead to painful decisions and mistakes that cloud our joy and peace. Most often, these decisions and mistakes bring with them a loss of what could have been. The word I'm looking for is “regret”...the recognition of how these sinful thought patterns have ruined relationships...have caused unnecessary suffering and pain...made us unproductive for the kingdom. These sinful thought patterns have many shapes and sizes...could be unforgiveness, pride, laziness, lust, covetousness, quest for self-centered entitlements, inferiority...on and on the list could go. The interesting thing is that God often causes us to remember these “consequences.” They serve to grow us more Christ-like as we see the relationship between sinful thought patterns and painful decisions.

Today's My Utmost for His Highest addresses this issue:

“What is it that blinds you to the peace of God “in this your day”? Do you have a strange god- not a disgusting monster but perhaps an unholy nature that controls your life? More than once God has brought me face to face with a strange god in my life, and I knew that I should have given it up, but I didn't do it. I got through the crisis “by the skin of my teeth,” only to find myself still under the control of that strange god. I am blind to the very things that make for my own peace. It is a shocking thing that we can be in the exact place where the Spirit of God should be having His completely unhindered way with us, and yet we only make matters worse, increasing our blame in God's eyes.

“If you had known….” God's words here cut directly to the heart, with the tears of Jesus behind them. These words imply responsibility for our own faults. God holds us accountable for what we refuse to see or are unable to see because of our sin. And “now they are hidden from your eyes” because you have never completely yielded your nature to Him. Oh, the deep, unending sadness for what might have been! God never again opens the doors that have been closed. He opens other doors, but He reminds us that there are doors which we have shut- doors which had no need to be shut. Never be afraid when God brings back your past. Let your memory have its way with you. It is a minister of God bringing its rebuke and sorrow to you. God will turn what might have been into a wonderful lesson of growth for the future.”

These are penetrating words. Words that require honest, Spirit led conviction and transparency before God's word. Sometimes it will require periods of pain and suffering before we begin to see the “truth” that has led to our “consequences.” Yes we may have closed doors to the joy we might have realized, but now God has opened new doors...we must not allow these “sinful thought patterns” to continue to harm ourselves and our testimonies. God reminds us in Romans 12:1-2 - “Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, we carry a bunch of baggage that weights us down and jeopardizes our decision making and joy in serving You. Identify this “baggage” in our lives by the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Once identified, give us the power and strength to overcome and not let that “baggage” control us. We confess our sinful thought patterns. May we fight to eradicate them from our lives...trusting and depending upon You to help us be clean vessels (2 Timothy 2:20-21).

Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.