Permission Before Action

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

February 8th Sermon, Day 3

Before David ever touched Bathsheba, before he called for her to come to the palace, something crucial happened in his heart. He gave himself permission. This is where sin almost always begins - not with the action itself, but with the internal permission we grant ourselves to pursue what we know we shouldn't.

David saw Bathsheba bathing and faced a choice. He could have looked away, gone inside, or redirected his thoughts. Instead, he lingered. He allowed his mind to entertain possibilities. He gave himself permission to want what wasn't his.

This pattern plays out in our lives constantly. The person struggling with addiction doesn't usually wake up planning to use - they give themselves permission to 'just drive by' the old neighborhood. The spouse considering an affair doesn't start with physical betrayal - they give themselves permission to have 'just a conversation' with someone who isn't their partner. The employee doesn't begin with major theft - they give themselves permission to take 'just a few office supplies.'

Recognizing this pattern is powerful because it shows us where the real battle is fought. The decisive moment isn't usually the final action - it's the moment we grant ourselves permission to move in that direction. This is where we need to be most vigilant, most honest with ourselves, and most dependent on God's strength.

When we catch ourselves in that moment of giving permission, we can choose differently. We can say no to the permission and yes to God's better way.

Bible Verse

'Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.' - James 1:15

Reflection Question

What permissions are you tempted to give yourself that you know would lead you away from God's best?

Quote

Sin almost never begins with action. It begins with permission.

Prayer

Lord, help me to recognize the moment when I'm tempted to give myself permission to sin. Give me the strength to say no to those permissions and yes to Your ways. Guard my heart and mind. Amen.