Romans 7:12-17
“I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” vs. 15
Of all the things written by Paul, these words probably resonate most completely with our own experience. We see their truth in every area of our experience, whether it be in sport or in our personal relationships. For example, every serious golfer knows the elusiveness of the perfect swing, even when we know exactly what it is that we want to do. “Don’t leave this putt short,” we whisper to ourselves, and then proceed to do exactly that. And it’s not just once! It happens again and again through an entire lifetime of golfing. And think of the times we’ve said or done things that have hurt our beloved companions! We don’t mean to do it. On the contrary, a loving spouse wants nothing more than to speak words of affirmation…and what do we do? Over and over we discount and annoy our partners. In every aspect of daily living we do exactly the wrong thing. Dieters eat too much. Alcoholics drink. Again and again we seem intent on sabotaging our actions and relationships. And what’s the problem? Paul says it’s all because of sin, that cancerous presence that lies embedded in our flesh. Because of sin, we are unable to understand our own actions or even do anything to correct them. Whether we want to or not, we keep on doing the very things we hate…and that’s just the way it is with us!
Thought for the Day: What’s the most maddening thing I do?
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