Commentary by Dr. Whitesel: Reverend Jay Morgan shadowed me for year in my consulting practice to become a Missional Coach. He now heads up the Appalachian Prayer Center and is writing a great historical analysis/application from the widespread influence of the Welsh revivals. Read the insights he applies from them for today.
“The Message of the Welsh Revival Part 2: If in doubt, remove it.” by Jay Morgan, Appalachian Prayer Center, 3/15/19.
This post is the second in a four part series exploring the message that fueled the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905. During this short period of time, revival swept through nearly every town on the Island of Wales and over 100,000 people came to faith in Christ.
A young preacher, Evan Roberts, stressed the following four tenets to his companions. As they began to personally do these, God used this group to help spread revival all over Wales. There is much to be learned from these tenets as we prepare for revival today.
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Confess all known sin, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ
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Remove anything in your life that you are in doubt or feel unsure about
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Be ready to obey the Holy Spirit instantly
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Publicly confess the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the last post we focused on confessing all known sin to God. Today let’s focus on the second tenet:
Remove anything in your life that you are in doubt or feel unsure about
This is a step beyond confessing known sin. This is a decision to step as far away from sin as you can.
Many people defend their “right” to do something as a Christian. They try to get to the edge of sin without falling in. This is a dangerous way to live, yet many think they can “flirt” around with sin and not get into trouble.
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Proverbs 6:27
Jesus taught us to be pray that we would not be “lead” into temptation. The behavior itself might not be sin, but will it lead you into a tempting, sinful situation? If so, get rid of it.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13
Paul taught us that there are things that we may we feel have a right to do, but are not beneficial to us. Some of these things can actually sabotage you and your mission in the world.
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Ask your self the following three questions:
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Will this behavior lead me to sin?
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Will this behavior lead a weaker Christian to sin if they copy me?
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Will this behavior limit or harm my ability to influence people for Jesus?
If so, remove it!
This can include:
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Relationships that pull you back to your old life
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A “border-line” sinful book, song or TV program that makes you vulnerable to sin.
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Videos you watch on your phone.
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Conversations you have.
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Certain places you drive by.
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Certain clothing.
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Unnecessary debt for things you don’t need that will overwork you and pull you away from God’s purposes.
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Flirty conversations.
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Using alcohol or other drugs.
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Health Damaging habits.
The list goes on.
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