God’s Rewind Button
“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, leave you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” – Harold McWhorter
Sometimes it’s obvious. I goofed. The line was clear, and I crossed it. Sometimes it’s subtle. Life is moving in slow motion, the line is fuzzy, I don’t know how I got here, and in a short burst of clarity I desperately want a REWIND.
To finish our youth series on Purity, Philip shared these practical steps to press God’s REWIND Button.
“How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said.” –Psalm 119:9 (CEB)
When to hit God’s Rewind Button:
Compromise can be very subtle, especially in romantic situations. When emotions and hormones ambush, the heart-pounding exhilaration of the moment cancels rational thought. If you find yourself re-evaluating your standards in the moment, you’re compromising. Act now! You need a Rewind!
How to hit God’s Rewind Button:
- RUN. Run for your life. Sexual temptation is the only sin we run from. God instructs us to fight, resist, and confront other sins, but when it’s a heated moment, flee! Get out of the situation as quickly as you can, even if it’s really awkward. (Joseph ran away from Potiphar’s wife, I’m sure that was awkward, too!) Your care for the other person will not convince him or her to adopt your standard of purity, especially not once you’re in the back of the car together! (Genesis 39, 1 Corinthians 6:18)
- PRAY. After your emergency exit, you’ll have lots to talk to God about. Remember that He is a Good Father, waiting to embrace you in His arms. Admit what just happened, or almost happened. Own your part of it. But most importantly, soak yourself in God’s Love. (1 John 1:9)
- PHONE a Friend. Call someone godly who you trust, and talk about the situation. Shame is soul poison. A safe person is God’s anti-venom. By listening, praying, and helping you work through the inevitable thoughts and feelings, your friend will help you heal. (James 5:16)
- FORGIVE. Forgiveness brings freedom. Any hurt you feel, forgive. Forgive yourself for compromising. Forgive the other person for his or her part. Forgive anyone necessary for any wound you find in your heart. (Matthew 6:14-15)
- BREAK soul ties. A highly emotional, romantic situation has a bonding effect on our brain chemistry and soul. In a spiritual sense, a part of our inner self is given away in this type of relationship. When compromise has happened, it is important to take back the piece of us that was given away. This is simply declaring God’s Word over our lives. “I take back the part of me I gave away and break this soul tie.” (1 Corinthians 6:16-20)
- BLESS the other person. Awkwardness may abound, but negativity is not welcome. The last step to complete the Rewind process is to agree with God about the other person. This could mean dedicating a short prayer, reading a scripture verse, or simply saying a blessing the other person will never hear. End on a positive note. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28)
God’s Rewind Button is for everyone. You may need to work this process over and over again. Whether you are pursuing sexual purity, defeating temptation, or recovering from sin, remember that Jesus’ blood on the cross has made you pure.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. -Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
