I think most people who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ have as their real hope that at the end of our life on Earth we will be ushered into the Presence of God, the risen Christ, and the glory of heaven. It has served as a kind of compass that I focus on as I pass through all the situations and events that make up life. I've referred to that as a kind of north star, constant, fixed and certain and have found it to be very helpful when circumstances get difficult and hurtful. It reminds me that the hurts and trials of this life are only temporary, and a new life full of the glory of God awaits me and all of us who trust Jesus for salvation.
The other day I finished a book that had to do with getting rid of sin in our lives. It is called," The Mortification of Sin" by John Owen. There were definite steps and mindsets that could be taken and developed and the author was solemn and encouraging at the same time. It has touched me in a way that one book hasn't in quite a while. As I've been thinking about it the past several days, the importance of purity in body, mind and soul has been heavy in my thoughts. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that without sanctification none of us will see the Lord. So my question to you who may be reading is-What is that sin you need to deal with? We all have at least that one sin that we just don't overcome. Try as we might, with all our good intention to do better next time, the prayers, tears, repentance and feelings of guilt, etc. just have not cut it. It's there and some of us have gotten to the point where we just live with it.
Let me encourage you to realize that no matter what that sin may be that plagues you, there is victory possible in Christ, and you can be rid of it. Mark 7:21-23 has a list of sins that Jesus said were particularly defiling to us. As we read the list we know that some things I may be prone to, you have no problem with. Conversely you may struggle in an area that for me was settled long ago. We all know that none of us are prone to all these things, but all of us are prone to some of them.
What is it that you really want to rid from your life? There is a way to be free from it. Basically and very simply, step one is to call it for what it is-sin. Then through a process of prayer, confession, brutal honesty, and faith no matter how weak it seems to be, declare yourself dead to that sin and a recipient of the strong grace of God. It is a daily battle that can be fierce and draining, but the victory will certainly be yours.
Remember, God has saved you and me for a purpose and a home in glory with Him. Holiness is required for that purpose to be fulfilled, and your longing for the heavenly realm to see the face of the Savior can be a strong motivator to press on and fight this good fight. Don't let one particularly stubborn sin or habit be the obstacle that threatens you eternal hope and joy. It is a fight, but it is a good fight. God be with you as you start.
No comments:
Post a Comment