The Devil Made Me Do It
“I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” — Romans 7:19-21, NLT
More than thirty years ago, Flip Wilson kept America in stitches with his television characters “Reverend Leroy,” the friendly, pompous pastor of the “Church of What’s Happening Now,” and “Geraldine Jones,” the sassy African American woman in a miniskirt. Whenever Geraldine would impulsively buy a dress—or do anything she shouldn’t—she excused her urge by uttering the line she made famous, “The Devil made me do it!”[1]
Sounds like Paul and Geraldine have the same dilemma.
I’m sure you have seen the cartoons where the devil sits on one shoulder, an angel sits on the opposite shoulder, and the individual is torn between good and evil – a conflict between two natures.
I ask, how many times have you been torn between right and wrong? If we’re honest with each other, we’ve all been there at one time or another in our Christian journey.
The Apostle Paul recognized that even as a believer, he had an indwelling principle of sin that once owned him as an enslaved person and that still expressed itself through him to do things he did not want to do and not to do things he desired to do[2]
Paul acknowledges that this struggle is not just a matter of willpower but is deeply rooted in the human condition—sin that dwells within. By bringing attention to the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit, Paul uncovers a theme central to his teachings on the nature of sin and redemption through Christ.
Through this passage, we see the need, as Christian believers, for God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful nature.
Application: How can we avoid Geraldine’s “The Devil Made Me Do It” statement?
- Acknowledge the Struggle: Recognize that feeling conflicted about sin and righteousness is a shared experience. Accepting that this struggle is part of the Christian journey can bring comfort and understanding.
- Depend on God’s Grace: Understand that while we may struggle with sin, God’s grace is sufficient. Romans 7:19-21 reminds us that sin is a powerful force, but we can find victory and transformation through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Seek Forgiveness and Renewal: When you fall short, seek forgiveness through confession and repentance. This process helps to renew your spirit and strengthen your resolve to follow God’s path.
- Pray for Strength: James 4:7 reads, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Pray and ask God for the strength to resist temptation and the insight to discern the correct path. Regular prayer and dependence on God’s guidance can help you navigate the internal struggle more effectively.
- Focus on Spiritual Growth: Invest in your spiritual growth through reading scripture, worship, and serving others. The more you grow in your faith, the more equipped you’ll be to resist the pull of sin and live out your beliefs.
By applying these practices, you can better navigate the internal battle described in Romans 7:19-21 and move toward a more faithful and empowered Christian life.
Join me next time for more Coffee on The Couch.
[1] “The Devil Made Me Do It?” The Devil Made Me Do It? Accessed June 3, 2024, https://insight.org/resources/article-library/individual/the-devil-made-me-do-it
[2] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 468.
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