Recently I began re-reading Jerry Bridge’s classic work, The Pursuit of Holiness. Jerry knows the truth of his work more astutely than ever before since passing on to glory. In chapter six Bridges lists, “Three things we must understand about indwelling sin.” Scripture teaches us that even believers possess an indwelling sin nature (Rom. 7:7-25). How do we respond to such a reality? The author writes to believers, “If we are to wage a successful war against this enemy within, it is important that we know something of its nature and tactics.” Bridges proceeds to make three propositional statements based upon Scripture to enlighten us:
- Scripture indicates that the seat of indwelling sin is the heart.
- Indwelling sin works largely through our desires.
- It tends to deceive our understanding or reasoning.
The three propositions can be substantiated by Scripture and Christian experience. Why do I share this today? I share it because we all need a reminder. We are far too enamored with our thoughts and the hot-takes we disseminate to the world via social media. Biblical wisdom is marked by patience and self-control. Our propensity for flooding cyberspace with less than wise evaluations and responses to the hot-takes of others is not helpful.
I have been reading through Proverbs with my children. We read the following, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Prov. 13:3). I shared with them that according to biblical wisdom it is wise for us not to share everything that comes into our minds. If only I applied that wisdom to my own life in all circumstances. James wrote, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (Jas. 1:19-20). Brothers and sisters, one thing working in our favor is the reality that it takes us longer to type something for posting on social media than it does to speak it. The glory of the Lord and his work in this world is not dependent upon us commenting on everything situation that comes to our attention. In fact, maybe we shouldn’t be so closely tied to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram anyway.
I encourage you to meditate on the three points Jerry Bridges raised above. I know that I will as I consider how to successfully wage war against the indwelling sin nature in my own life.