How does one deal with those persistent sins and character weaknesses that wrap their tentacles around our hearts — flaws that all too often we do not really want to give up? The best answer I know is, “Be As Drastic As Necessary.”
That is clearly the idea of Colossians 3, where we read, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature… but now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these…” (vs. 5, 8). Drastic action to deal with a persistent problem might include altering one’s route to work or school to avoid a place of temptation, changing one’s friends, becoming accountable to a trusted friend, or destroying a possession that clearly contributes to our failure. I have often suggested cutting the plug if the television is an insatiable cannibal of our time or a polluter of our hearts — and a number have done so. Most of us know what we need to do. Let’s do it! BE AS DRASTIC AS NECESSARY!
“Help! Office clutter mutating, growing at alarming rate!”
This morning it strikes me that I’m usually only “AS DRASTIC AS NECESSARY” when, as a result of carelessness, I’m “AS DESPERATE AS CAN BE.” My 6′ x 8′ office isn’t large enough for my stupid, careless “piling system.” Something has to change. In this little space, I must BECOME and REMAIN “as drastic as necessary” with organization. Or I’ll go crazy. Or worse.
I’m so thankful for this saying living in my heart forever as I encountered Jesus’ off-the-chain command to pluck out our eye and cut off our hand if we need to!