Pet Sins

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 
Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

What if God could change you from the inside out, not just help you through another attempt at being better?

We all have pet sins. They’re the ones we minimize. Maybe you don’t think it's as bad as murder or stealing, or it doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone else. You can keep it secret, justify it, or convince yourself God's not strong enough to break its hold. Your sin might be a critical spirit, your temper, or the impatience that surfaces at those you love.

The reality is that all your resolutions are worthless and powerless. You don't just need to be cleared of your sin; you need to be cleansed from your sin.

David understood this in Psalm 51:10 when he prayed, "Create in me a pure heart." He's saying, "I don't just need pardon; I need purity." You can't buy a new heart at the store. The hospital doesn't stock them, and your pharmacist can't fill that prescription. Only God can create what you desperately need.

You don't need minor repairs. You need a complete spiritual overhaul because your problem isn't just what you do, it's what you are. A sinner who needs transformation.

But God knows what you are and has made provision for you. In Ezekiel 36:26, the people of Israel were struggling with idolatry, desolation, and despair. But the Lord said He would give them a new beginning. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NIV)

God doesn’t just ask you to start again; He creates a pure heart so you can start over. Instead of relying on your own faithfulness, receive a steadfast spirit from Him. 

When that critical thought about your relative surfaces, don't just suppress it. Stop and pray, 'God, I can't fix this critical spirit. Create a new heart in me that sees people the way You do.' When your temper flares at your kids over spilled juice, don't just apologize and promise to do better. Instead, pray, 'Lord, create in me a heart that responds with patience, not anger.' 

The change you need isn't willpower. It's a miracle only God can perform.

Prayer: God, thank You for the promise to give me a new heart when I ask. Create in me a clean heart, O God! I don’t want to follow the desires of the sin nature in me, but I'm powerless to remove it. Thank You that Jesus paid the penalty. Now create a new heart in me and renew a steadfast spirit in me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.