Sometimes I Disgust Myself

Statistics show us that 67.5% of offenders will repeat the same crime they were just released from prison for committing. While we frown upon that and simply chalk it up as they’re just criminals anyway, we forget to look at the plank in our own eye. As Christians, we are not exempt from the repeat offense.

Proverbs 26:11 says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” I know it is disgusting and yet, very true at the same time. We just never think of our repeat offenses in this light. We all struggle with sin and there is always one (sometimes more) that we always return to repeat.

We are too familiar with the sins in our lives that we no longer find them detestable.  Once we do, we reject them and walk away from them which is known as true repentance. Sometimes, however, we let our guard down; we walk too closely in line with the ways of the world. When we do this, we return to that which we once rejected (vomited) and pick it up again. We are like the dogs. This is why I disgust myself sometimes. If I return to a sin that I “vomited” I’m just like a dog that does the same.

So how can we stop the cycle? Scripture tells us a couple of ways, one of which is found in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We have to turn our lives, our hearts and our minds away from the ways of the world. When we do so, our way of life will stop lining up with the world.  As we turn from the world, we need to turn to God and His word which will allow a transformation to take place, renewing our minds on a daily basis. We need to spend time in His word, worshiping Him and in prayer.

Crystal Owens

Crystal is a speaker for the Fabulous You Conference. She’s married with 2 girls. Crystal is currently teaching a weekly adult Bible study and a monthly Bible study for Women. She has a passion for reaching youth and a heart for missions.