Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking, by definition, is a state of low consciousness where people perform activities that are usually performed during a state of full consciousness.  These activities are generally simple, repeated behaviors, but can be more complex.  I am only on day three of a 60 day partial fast, and already I realize that this is a great analogy of what I (and I suspect many others) have been doing for most of my life.

This fast has made me acutely aware of my choices.  I can no longer just "go with the flow", doing whatever comes naturally.  I must measure each decision against what I have committed to and see if it measures up.  Hmmm, sounds like something I should be doing anyway.  Even my failure last night has taught me.

Yes, day two and I already messed up!  We went to the movies and I had popcorn and a pop.  No it may not seem like a big deal to you, and it isn't according to my "normal" way of thinking, but I have chosen to walk another road.  Not only was the food not on my approved list, but the cost was crazy!  The good news is I live under grace.  So, I confessed it to God, asked for forgiveness, received His forgiveness, brushed myself off and am getting back to it!

I discovered the importance of setting my mind.  Whichever direction we set our mind to (I had already decided beforehand that I wanted a snack at the movies) that is what we will follow through with, no matter how much we argue with ourselves to the contrary.  Romans 8:1-2,5-9,12-13 says:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

 

Much like the simple, repetitive activities of sleepwalkers, we do things by habit or because everyone else is.  This is a dangerous and slippery slope.  I have begun to be awakened.  The question lies in what will I do now?  Will I choose to move ahead into reality or shrink back into a semi-conscious state of ignorance and disobedience?  I have 57 more days.  Let the adventure begin!