Romans 6:12-16
“Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions.” vs. 12
As humans we have enormous potential for good as we live and work in our world. We have been created to have compassion for others and to engage in wonderfully fruitful loving relationships. But it doesn’t just happen! In fact, too often our desires and passions get the best of us and we end up living for self and engaging in behaviors that bring nothing but pain and disharmony. We start out thinking that we are in charge and quickly discover that sin is more powerful than we ever imagined. On our own, we don’t stand a chance against the insidious temptations that stalk us day after day. It’s like being washed out to sea and trying to swim back to shore against a powerful tide. Even though we want to be righteous we continually fall short. We simply can’t overcome the power of sin by the force of our own will. Those who try only end up doing the same destructive things over and over again. Some give up and allow their passions free rein. “After all,” they may say, “God’s grace gives daily forgiveness and I’m free to do as I please.” But there is another way…and that is to submit to the power of God and allow the Holy Spirit to make new persons of us. We can be different. We don’t have to continue in sin. By grace we not only receive forgiveness, we receive the power to live as children of goodness.
Thought for the Day: How can I submit to the power of God?
0 Comments