Since you became a Christian, what have you driven out of your life that is ungodly? “Driven out” as in things or habits or relationships that were not in line with the gospel. And if you did drive them out, how completely have you driven them out of your life?

This could be your old flame. This could be a drinking habit. This could be some buddies that keep you in the old world. This could be your boy friend/girl friend who keeps you from things of God. This could be a secret habit no one knows about.

Why? Why should you drive them out? Because your children will suffer for them if you don’t.

In the book of Judges, some tribes of Israel failed to drive out the inhabitants of the promised land completely. Consequently, the next generation of Israelites, their children, worshiped the gods of the the land. If the parents had completely driven out the idols and idol worshipers as the Lord had commanded, it would not have happened.

I see children suffering everywhere. Brought up to think soccer is more important than God (When we choose a game of soccer on Sundays over church, in a child’s mind, we are putting soccer over God!) Brought up to think our leisure is more important than God. (When we are on vacation, we don’t go to church – again, in a child’s mind, we are putting our leisure over God). Getting drunk over the weekend routinely. Gambling. Lusting. Spending inordinate amount of time online. etc.

“Come on, PH, aren’t you overreacting?” Not when I see the next generation so devoid of moral judgment and lack of discernment. They are dying. It’s our fault. We have failed to drive out the old life…

May I suggest something? I know you are at this point asking, “But what’s wrong with some of those?” That’s the wrong question to ask. The right question to ask is, “Is it in line with the truth of the gospel?” “Does it glorify God?” “Does it bring me and those around me closer to God?” There are many things that are NOT wrong, but are not in line with the truth of the gospel.

Drive them out. Lessen your appetite in them by fasting. Then, consume the good thing in the word of God. (How much time can we gain if we cut out exercising and Facebook for a week?)

PH