Nothing angered me more as a player than making the same mistakes over and over. Nothing angers me more as a coach than to see guys keep doing the same things wrong and being unable or unwilling to change.
When I see a player doing this, I assume one of a few things might be happening. (1) He doesn’t know he’s doing it. (2) He doesn’t understand how to stop doing it. (3) He doesn’t care that he’s doing it.
If he doesn’t know, I tell him. If he doesn’t understand how to stop, I show him. If he doesn’t care, that’s another matter entirely.
Proverbs 26:11 puts it this way: “Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.”
Far more serious than a player who keeps making the same mistake is the person who keeps repeating the same sin.
Dogs in the ancient world weren’t house pets. They were feared and reviled, viewed as gross creatures who did repulsive things like what is mentioned in the verse above.
The wisdom here is obvious. Just as it is gross and repulsive to watch a dog eat its own vomit, it should be equally so for us to repeat our sin over and over.
Just like the player who keeps repeating his mistake, there are reasons why we keep committing the same sins.
- We don’t know we’re doing it. This is why godly friends are so important. Not so they can judge you, but so they can be used of God to shape you into the image of Jesus. If you don’t have a church home where people are authentic, full of grace, and lovingly point the way to Jesus, start looking now.
- We don’t understand how to stop doing it. We know it’s sin, but we’re trapped. If that’s you, it’s time to bring it into the open. Not in a public forum, but with a trusted friend or mentor who knows how to keep his mouth shut publicly while helping you privately.
- We don’t care that we’re doing it. Friend, if this is you, stop eating your vomit. You’re killing your soul. I pray you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the kindness of God leading you to repentance.
Lord Jesus, I’m tired of the same sins in my life. Thank you for your love, grace, and forgiveness. Lead me to where you want me to be. Amen.
