Let’s explore the idea that we’re all slaves to sin in some shape or form. Sounds heavy, but stick with me. You know that struggle you face when you set out to do something good? Instead, you find yourself slipping back into old habits.
The Internal Tug-of-War
St. Paul perfectly captured the struggle when he said, “The things I want to do, I do not do.” He added, “The things I did not want to do, those things I did.” How often do we find ourselves doing something we know we shouldn’t? Whether it’s overeating, abusing oneself, or falling into unhealthy habits, it seems like there are forces leading us astray. These forces within us mess with our minds and souls.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not you doing those things. Instead, it’s the sin that has, quite literally, made a home in you. We’re not just random humans having random experiences. We’re dealing with some serious internal forces that can pull us in directions we don’t want to go.
When you feel this pull, your instinct is to wrestle with it. You say to yourself, “I’m not going to let this thing control me!” But let’s think about this logically — trying to battle these forces head-on often leads to greater frustration. It’s like trying to fight an alligator in the water. Not a good idea! If you’re standing in murky water, you’re at a major disadvantage. But if you stand on solid ground, you can use the metaphorical bank to arm yourself with awareness and mindfulness.
The Game Plan
So, what’s the game plan? Meditation. You heard me right! Meditation is your ally in this battle. It’s not about struggle and fight. It’s about observation and patience. When you meditate, you create space to notice those thoughts and feelings without instantly reacting to them. Instead of wrestling with your inner alligator, you’re calmly watching it from the shore.
The more you meditate, the more you realize that resentfulness is a trap. Every time that pesky sin rears its head and threatens you, it’s easy to get caught up in frustration. But when you meditate, you learn to acknowledge those feelings without attaching yourself to them. You recognize them for what they are — just thoughts, not necessarily truths.
When you practice meditation properly, you cultivate clarity and peace. Imagine sitting with all those racing thoughts and emotions, just observing them like clouds drifting by. No judgment, no attachment, just pure awareness. Those things you once felt controlled by don’t seem so powerful anymore. You can choose whether to engage or let them pass.
Final Thoughts
So, next time you find yourself entangled in the struggle against those internal forces, remember St. Paul and his relatable woes. Instead of wrestling with your sins in murky waters, stand strong on the bank and meditate. Embrace the clarity that comes from observing your thoughts in the present moment. Let’s navigate this journey together, one calm breath at a time!
BP 245
