As Christian’s, it’s our job to live a life set apart from the things of this world. To be “set apart” means we stray from things we know aren’t good for our spirits. We should strive daily to abstain from sinful habits and mindsets. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Because of the sinful nature we’re born with, there is a constant struggle between our flesh and our spirit. We have the power, through Jesus, to overcome those things but, many times, we choose not to. We would rather feed that flesh “monster.” Unfortunately, every time we feed him he gets a little stronger until he seems to be in control of every decision we make. It may sound odd but, I’ve come to realize, there’s a prostitute in all of us. We walk into situations feeling we’re in complete control. Rather than employ self-control, we sell ourselves out to the highest bidder and allow the world to control our decisions, thoughts, and actions. No matter how hard we try, our flesh is always going to be drawn towards things that are unhealthy for our spirits. Essentially, we whore [harsh term, I know, but it’s true] ourselves out to the very things we should be abstaining from.
I recently preached on a well-known prostitute from the Bible named Rahab. This woman lived a sinful life. Who really knows what drove her to think this was the only way she could provide for her family. I can only imagine the abuse she suffered over the years, all because of the repetitive bad decisions she had made. She was, no doubt, the talk of the town—and not in a good way. One day, two men came to her house. They were spies sent by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites. Their mission was to scope out the land in preparations to fight and overtake it as fulfillment of their promise from God. When the king found out, he sent soldiers to demand they be turned over. Rahab lied and sent the soldiers on a wild goose chase to find the men. Her only request of the spies for helping was protection for her and her family. As they were preparing to go to war, scripture states in Joshua 6:22-23, “22 Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, “Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.” 23 The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel.” That day, her whole family lived because of one right decision she made.
Closing remarks and encouragement: Rahab lived a life full of bad decisions. One day, she decided to change. That decision made a huge difference in her life. My friend, like Rahab, you can make many mistakes in your life. But it only takes one RIGHT decision to change the trajectory and direction of your life. So what’s so special about this prostitute turned Christian? I’m glad you asked! Upon joining the Israelites, Rahab went on to marry a man named Salmon. She would give birth to a son they named Boaz. Boaz would marry Ruth and birth Obed. Obed would father a boy named Jesse. Jesse would go on to father a son by the name of David. David would become one of the greatest kings of God’s people. Eventually, some centuries later (and through that same prostitute’s lineage), there would come a baby of virgin birth named Jesus who would die for the sins of mankind. The decisions we make in the present will determine what our future looks like. God can use us all to do mighty things for the kingdom. But that will hinge on our ability to make the right choices. Will we continue prostituting ourselves, or will we finally get it right? The choice is yours.
Have a blessed week, my friends!
Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash