The Elephant in the Room

You have surely heard or used the idiom- "the elephant in the room". The surprising thing is that it actually applies to each one of us as well. Let us see how. 

Let us go beyond the idiom and talk about a real elephant. The kind that you see in a circus or a zoo. Have you ever wondered, with its size and strength, why does the elephant not rebel? Do you think that the chain on its foot can really stop it? And when there is actually no chain it still does not run away? No way. That elephant, weighing 6000 pounds, which can uproot massive trees, is much too strong for a mere chain.

The reason it does not break the chain is habit.

When the elephant is born or is very young, the trainer of handler puts a chain around its foot, tight enough to feel but not hurt. The chain is attached to a deep stake so the little elephant cannot break free since it's not strong enough. Yet. It does try, every which way and direction but the chain holds firm. Over time, the chain becomes its habit, and the calf is convinced it cannot break free. That habit continues even when the elephant is fully grown and can actually break free. Yet, now, it does not try.

We are like that. We have been chained by sinful habits for so long that we have quit trying to break free. The habits are the chains Satan has provided us to keep us bound to him. So how do we break free?

Hebrews 12 provides us the way and the source of the strength we need to break free, when our own strength and resolve fail.

2 verses clearly show us the way - 

John 8:36:"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Psalm 107:14:"He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains."

Believers are therefore called to walk in the freedom that Christ purchased and resist sliding back into old habits because He is the way.

How do we do it? First identify what needs to change. There is a guidebook called the Bible which can help us do that. Or simply ask yourself, does my habit please God?

Second, ask for His help. He will send the Holy Spirit to be our helper. So, invite the holy spirit into your life.

Third - don't try to churn the ocean. Break one link of the chain at a time. Progress maybe slow, may even take years but start today.

Along with this identify one positive action from the Bible every day and do it. Do not leave your empty spaces to be refilled by Satan, but fill them with what pleases God.