Temptations sometimes over take me. I’m fragile, weak, human. I struggle with the same insecurities, the same temptations, the same sins over and over. It is irrational to think that in the midst of the grace God has bestowed on me I continue to sin.
The Apostle Paul wrote “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7: 15)
Sin is a constant struggle. Its ugliness alienates us from God and from others. And yet we continue to slip. We are all sinners, unworthy of the holiness of God. And yet He still gives us grace. He still gives us love. He chose to send His son to cover our transgressions and give us a place in His kingdom.
There are little things we can preemptively do when we are thinking straight that will help us when sin presents itself in our lives. A seminary professor once shared that he keeps a list in the desk of his drawer of all the people he would hurt if he had an affair. Any time he felt himself slip and look at someone lustfully he would pull out his list. Being reminded of those he loved, those he served, and those who looked to him for guidance kept him in check.
Is there a particular sin you are struggling with in your own life? Have you thought of the people you will hurt if you do not gain control over it?
There is consequence to sin but there is also grace. When we have messed up that isn’t the end. Knowing our place in the kingdom of God offers us a reminder of what has already been paid for our sin and helps us to walk away from temptation. Knowing our place in the kingdom of God gives us a means by which to repent.
Prayer: God thank you for already paying the cost for my sin. Help me to overcome the sin in my life. Show me what areas I need to work on. Reveal to me any known or unknown sin and help me overcome it. Amen.
Thought for the day: What sin has presented itself in my life that needs to be addressed?
1 John 1: 8-9 ESV
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.