“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Romans 9:20 ESV).
Only a fool blames his faults on God! (James 1:13). We all have drives and impulses that represent desires of the flesh and mind. We each have a spirit too, and so, we have the ability to make decisions that transcend the bounds of time, space, and mortal frame. Our task, as disciples, is to accept God’s grace and win the war against sin (Titus 2:11-12). We are to do what Cain could not do (Genesis 4:7). While we usually dismiss impulses as foolish, and urge thoughtfulness, there are situations in which much thought may damn us—when a righteous impulse is a blessing from God.
Think of Joseph when he was a slave in Potiphar’s house. God blessed everything he did, so that his master promoted him over the household. Joseph was a handsome man (Genesis 39:6). In time, Potiphar’s wife developed an impure desire for him. (If you aren’t familiar with the story, read Genesis 39:1-12.) She approached Joseph urging him to commit adultery with her, and in the heat of the moment, Joseph fled the house. He actually ran away! We should note that it wasn’t the first time she had approached Joseph, and, no doubt, Joseph had given the situation much thought in advance. But, when the moment of temptation came, it was no longer time for reasoning everything out; it was time to go! Joseph obeyed his righteous impulse, there are times in which we should follow his example.
Have you ever suddenly become uncomfortable with what was going on around you? God has given us impulses, or feelings about situations to help us survive; physically and spiritually. Do not suppress a righteous impulse! If you find yourself in a situation in which the temptation to sin is strong, especially if the temptation is in an area of your special weakness, don’t suppress the feeling. Run, brother, run!
—JLP
Of course, the flip side of this is that we often do sin on impulse. Our Father who knows our infirmities will forgive us, but we must truly repent. Sometimes we feel that because we have yielded to an impulsive, a sinful act, that God will have no more use for us. Think of Peter, who in a moment of impulse, cut off the man’s ear with his sword. Before Peter really settled down, he commited many acts of impulsive sin. The fact of forgiveness is not a license to do willful sin, but when we do impulsively transgress God’s law, He will forgive, and He will forget. However, as suggested, we should “flee the Devil,” yea, “Run boy, run!”
Thanks bro. Harry. I agree with you entirely. Sins of impulse are Satan’s misuse of that part of our minds that God intended for our good.
—JLP