Last week, a friend and I had what could best be termed a “confession session” wherein we talked about sin, the super-annoying fact that it just doesn’t quit, and the specific ways in which we had recently given into it.
It was a necessary discussion, and I left feeling humbled, encouraged, and, most importantly, determined.
Because that conversation was both a chance to start fresh–a reset–and a really good reminder that no matter how far I’ve come, I must–must!–remain vigilant because sin and Satan are wickedly persistent, and if I open the door, they’ll drag me right back to where I was before.
No, gracias.
And so this week, I wanted to talk about three things to keep in mind to ensure you don’t regress in life!
They are, in brief:
- You’re Not A Dog
- Don’t Be A Sisyphus
- No Abusive Relationships
Let’s begin!
#1 You’re Not A Dog
You probably wouldn’t guess this about me, but once upon a time, I full on sobbed for four hours until my mom agreed to get me a puppy.
As a result, for the last twelve years, this nugget has been a part of my family.
I feel like we have the same dichotomous energy.
Anyways!
Over the years, there have been many memorable moments where he’s concerned, some of which include daring over/under the fence escape attempts, demonic possession, and fights with lawn ornaments.
But if there’s one memory that’s indelibly pressed into my mind, it would be the time he puked all over the place, and before I could clean it up, he was re-stuffing his face.
“APOLLO, NO!” I cried, trying to pull him away.
But it was too late.
The vomit had returned to its former place.
Now, apparently when it comes to dogs, eating vomit is not at all strange.
Which is one of many reasons why I believe the difference between species is a difference in kind rather than degree.
If I start eating my own vomit, please check on me.
Seriously.
That is not normal for a human being.
And yet…
From what I can see, eating one’s own vomit is not as uncommon as it should be.
At least if you ask me.
See, I don’t know about you, but I’ve met many, many people who, having made themselves physically, emotionally, and/or mentally sick through a pattern of behavior or a particular relationship, still return to it.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Friends.
Proverbs 26:11 says,
“Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”
If that isn’t the truth, I don’t know what is.
And yet, who among us has not returned to things which have made us sick?
For fifteen years, I certainly did.
And let me tell you, I do not recommend it.
Vomit doesn’t taste any better the second time around, so if you’ve managed to get what’s making you sick out, I highly, highly encourage you to leave it on the ground.
And the next time you come across the thing that made you sick, do not–I repeat not–put it in your mouth.
#2 Don’t Be A Sisyphus
When I was in elementary school, I was obsessed–obsessed!–with Greek mythology.
It was fascinating to me, and one of the first pieces of fiction I ever wrote was a self-insert reimagining of the story of Persephone wherein I overthrew Hades and became Queen.
Actually.
I even wrote out punishments to add to the Underworld that I thought were particularly genius and unique such as the Pit of Eternal Tickling whose lone occupant was my little sister Sophie.
Anyways!
Last week, a picture popped up on my twitter feed, and because of my aforementioned familiarity with Greek mythology, I recognized the figure immediately.
Friends, meet Sisyphus.
If you aren’t familiar with him, Sisyphus was the King of Corinth who twice cheated death and was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity as his punishment.
This is the account recorded in the Odyssey:
“Then I witnessed the torture of Sisyphus, as he wrestled with a huge rock with both hands. Bracing himself and thrusting with hands and feet he pushed the boulder uphill to the summit. But every time, as he was about to send it toppling over the crest, its sheer weight turned it back, and once again towards the plain the pitiless rock rolled down. So once more he had to wrestle with the thing and push it up, while the sweat poured from his limbs and the dust rose high above his head.” (Book 11.593)
Talk about a fate worse than death.
I bet he wished he could pitch himself over the edge rather than roll that rock up the hill again.
And yet…
There are a lot of people who live like Sisyphus.
There are a lot of people who, having dropped their rocks, work so hard to roll them again to the top only to once more let them drop–not even as a penalty but voluntarily.
And that’s a tragedy.
Because while it takes ages to get your rock to the summit, it only takes a second for it to plummet.
All your hard work can be undone in a moment.
One shrug–one slip–and that’s it…
Is it worth it?
My guess would be no.
And frankly, on principle, you really don’t want to be a Sisyphus because he’s got a long way to go.
#3 No Abusive Relationships
Recently, the internet has been having a series of apoplectic fits over the break-up make-up patterns of some high-profile and notoriously vicissitudinous celebrity relationships.
Everybody’s got an opinion.
Because, at least for the ones I’m thinking of, the core issue is the inability of one party to keep their pants zipped.
They just keep tripping into naked women.
Again.
And again…
And again…
Now, this may be a hot take, but I actually think that’s abusive because while tripping once might be a mistake, after a certain point, the tripper just clearly doesn’t care that they’re causing their partner pain.
They don’t care that they’re taking their partner’s love and trust and spitting directly in their face.
That’s not okay.
You don’t treat people that way.
And yet, that’s exactly what we do when we waste our resets in all–not just romantic–relationships.
In fact, our family and friends–the people who’ve wiped vomit off our face and/or helped us roll our rocks back into place–are typically the ones to whom we say,
“I don’t care that my mistake caused you pain. I’m going to do it again anyways!”
Not okay.
You don’t treat people–especially people who love you–that way.
And yet, we do it–I do it–everyday.
See, I believe there’s a man who died so I could be redeemed.
I believe He hung on a cross and bled for me.
“But He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
My reset wasn’t free, so when I waste it, I hurt the One who paid for me.
Which is… not a good thing.
In fact, as I said above, I think it’s an abusive thing.
But hey!
Even if you don’t believe like me, I think it’s still a good idea to ask…
Are there people you’re piercing when you waste your reset?
Are there people you’re crushing with pain and disappointment?
If the answer is yes, just… consider carefully whether you’re okay with being the abuser in that relationship.
That’s all for this week!
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