"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
What is your favorite sin? Is it alcohol, or drugs, or food, or pride, or vanity? The list goes on and on. Some struggle with internal conflicts while others are just tempted outright with the sins of this world. There is usually at least one thing that we struggle getting rid of in our journey to fulfilling our purpose for God. We continue to ask forgiveness, yet we continue to sin even though we are convicted by the Holy Spirit every time. What if Jesus had given in to temptation in the desert after His baptism? He was tempted by the Devil three different times, but the one I relate to most is the food. After 40 days and nights of fasting, I don't know about you but I probably would have been hungry too...what was the trouble with having a little bread? There was nothing sinful about eating in and of itself. It was the covenant that Christ made with the Holy God that would have been broken. That was the true sin, plus the fact that Satan asked him to turn stones to bread. He would have been using his powers for evil and not for good. If Jesus would have fallen short of the glory of God and consumed one little morsel of bread, our eternity would be in jeopardy. We would no longer be covered with the blood of a sinless Lamb, but would still be under the Law. What if our sins impacted our eternity the way His did? Would we still be as prone to commit them if we did not have grace and forgiveness, or would we consider the repercussions more? So I ask you again, what is your favorite sin? What is holding you back from becoming all that God has planned for you? What is the last tie that binds you to this world and keeps you from becoming the person that God intends? May we ask and pray and beg the Lord to bind that sin in us so that we may be used for His good purpose and be "not conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
It's easy to believe that a sin, a weakness, or a shortcoming only involves our personal walk with God. Of course, our walk with him is the most important thing in our lives, but you have such a great point. Everything we do not only affects us, it also influences everyone around us. I want to be completely dedicated to the Lord and allow him to cover every area of my heart and life. I hope to please him and glorify him, but that means allowing him to put his hand on every little place in my heart. It is a constant walk of surrender. Thank you for these encouraging words today. Many blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteAndrea