1 John 1:6-7   ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; ⁷ but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

We cannot make the changes we need to make in our lives if we continue to do those things we know will hinder our progress. If we keep doing those things we know to be bad for us we end up going backward. We lose ground and may even give up hope.

It is necessary for us to commit completely to the new lifestyle we say we are embracing. We need to turn away from the activities we know will harm us and take on those activities that keep us moving forward. This is a day-by-day and for some a minute-by-minute process. We must be mindful of those things that might tempt us to go astray and reject them at every turn.

In faith as in life we engage in the process of turning away and turning towards. We must be diligent to turn away from the darkness of living in a way that we know is not God’s way. Just as diligently, we must turn toward the light of Christ. He will lead us on the path to wholeness and freedom.

Lord, help us to keep turning away from those things that harm us and toward your light. Amen.