The Replacement Principle

Season 2 Episode 9 -- Have you ever struggled to avoid succumbing to a sinful thought or action, something that you continue to tell yourself not to do, but then find yourself caving to the temptation?  Even with determination and willpower, it is very hard to avoid these besetting sins.  What if I told you there is a better way?  Just listen to this episode to find out about that better way! 

"Reflect on This" is a once-weekly, short devotional podcast. In these devotionals, I share the things I am learning about the ways and nature of God, in what I hope are practical and meaningful ways.
 
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Resources that inspired some episodes:

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis
 
 Blog by Seth Lewis:  https://sethlewis.ie/

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
 Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers 3-month paid apprenticeships to unemployed young men.  These apprentices learn valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  The sale of the high-quality furniture they produce supports the ministry.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
"Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope" (podcast)
This is a 4-minute weekday podcast, where Joni shares stories of her life and biblical applications.  One of the world's longest living quadriplegics, God has used her courage, determination, faithfulness, and love to inspire and minister in amazing ways to people around the world.    
 
"e-Sword" (Bible study software)
This study tool includes many free public domain resources (and many other resources for purchase), including Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, devotionals, and maps.  You can simultaneously view multiple Bible translations, a dictionary, and a commentary.  
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Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
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Transcript

2 Timothy 2:22 NASB  Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

In previous episodes, I have referenced this verse as the Replacement Principle. I felt that it would be important and helpful to further explore this principle.

Let me illustrate the point of this verse.  Pretend that thinking about pink elephants is a spiritually unhealthy activity.  Would it help you to avoid thinking about pink elephants if I said, “Don’t think about pink elephants?”  Not likely.  But what if I said, “Think about yellow roses!”  That would be much more helpful to you.  Why?  Because if we focus on what to do (instead of what not to do), it gets us pointed in the right direction and we are more apt to “stay the course.”

An important aspect of the Replacement Principle is that our replacement thought (or action) should be very different from the temptation.  In other words, our replacement thought or action should not flirt with temptation.  We should not try to fool ourselves into thinking that we are strong enough to resist temptation if we get close to it, but not actually touch it.  For example, if you have a temptation to view inappropriate, unedifying things on the internet when it is late at night and you are tired, then don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can get on the computer late at night to read the news or social media posts, and that mere willpower will keep you from slipping.  You are flirting with temptation!

Pastor Chris Hodges, in his book, “Fresh Air,” says that temptation is not a test of self-control. It is, instead, a test of relationship (and, I would add, identity).  

Let’s unpack that statement with a few thought-provoking questions:

•  How is your relationship with God? 
• How well do you embrace your identity in Christ? 

With good awareness of our relationship and identity, we are better equipped to resist temptation than with mere self-control.  When tempted, our growing awareness of our true identity in Christ will make it progressively easier to say, “That behavior (or that thought pattern) is not consistent with who I am in Christ,” and then to reject the temptation.  If we see ourselves as a child of God who is spiritually alive in Christ, we will begin to live accordingly.

Note in today’s passage that Paul did not merely say to run away from lust, but he also said what to run toward (godly character qualities) and whom to run with (other believers).  I call this the Replacement Principle. 

2 Timothy 2:22 ISV  Flee from youthful passions. Instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace together with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart.

To summarize:  The Replacement Principle states that we are to turn our focus away from what we are NOT to do, and turn our focus toward what we ARE to do (and who we are in Christ), and join with others who have the same focus.

Let me give you one practical application of the Replacement Principle that my wife and I implemented a number of years ago, that has been very helpful.  Hopefully, this will help you to think of ways that you can also apply the Replacement Principle to your everyday life.

When my wife and I are together shopping, I will occasionally see something that could tempt me to ungodly thoughts (such as magazines in the checkout line of the store with scantily clad women, or even other shoppers with revealing attire).  Years ago, I had asked her to help me to avoid looking at these things and she agreed to do so.  At first, when she saw these things, she would say,  “Don’t look over there!” But often that would instinctively cause me to actually turn toward it (out of curiosity), instead of away from it.  Then my wife came up with a brilliant and clever strategy.  Now she says to me, “Look at me!”  Do you see how this is a wonderful illustration of the replacement principle?  My wife is encouraging me to turn my focus away from what I am not to do, by turning my focus toward what I am to do!

Would you join me in this prayer?

O God, how I need to be reminded of this powerful truth!  In whatever area of life that I am struggling, help me to focus on what I am to do, rather than what I am not to do.  Pour out Your grace upon me in these moments, to give me both the desire and the power to do Your will.  And guide me to other believers who share my focus and perspective, with whom I can lock arms and walk together “in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4b)

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”