Have you ever been overweight and lost a substantial number of pounds? Do you remember how you felt? In addition to the euphoria, I’m guessing there was a sense of freedom. You could move faster. It was easier to tie your shoes. It was a good feeling.
How about cleaning your house? Have you ever set aside a period of time to just get rid of the clutter–the things you didn’t need–the things that were getting in your way? Every couple of years, Bob and I set aside several days, rent a dumpster, and do some serious de-junking. It is a very freeing feeling.
We understand how these physical things get in our way, but don’t always look at how spiritual encumbrances—sins—get in the way of our personal walk and also our “marriage dance.” We have that one person we refuse to forgive. What could it hurt? It hurts a lot. Every time someone (including your spouse) reminds you of that person or that offense it irritates you; it makes you defensive; it changes your words and your tone. Or, how about that rebellious attitude you’ve never resolved? I mean, you’re not criminally rebellious, right? So what’s the problem? The problem is that anytime someone opposes what you want to do (including your spouse), you get your hackles up and start resisting—either aloud or subversively. Ask God about it. Am I telling the truth?
We wouldn’t think of dancing with our hands in handcuffs. We wouldn’t think of dancing with a ball and chain around our ankle. And yet, we try to dance through life with our sins unresolved and then wonder why we’re having a problem. The words to the “Spirit Song” say: “Let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit like a dove will descend upon your life and make you whole.” As I point my fingers back at myself, let’s all resolve to do that.
