Once we come
to Jesus Christ for our salvation, our spirit is alive in Christ and sin is gradually
exorcised from our soul (Ephesians 2:5; Philippians 3:12-15). This requires no
self-effort; the Spirit begins and completes this work in us (Galatians 3:1-3).
Our role is
simply to cooperate and obey as we walk in the Spirit each moment of the day. Christ
is our whole life and we are drawn away from Satan's dominion over our life
(Colossians 3:3-4).
We do not
need to make goals for our self and obsess over them. We have no need to
develop problem solving skills in order to perfect our self.
We did not
save our self, and we cannot perfect our self (Galatians 3:1-3). We usually
struggle with reaching our goals and we get defeated by our failings.
Scientist
tell us that the habenula in our brain records our failures and then inhibit
our future attempts to succeed in that same area; this implicit memory prevents us
from repeating our failures, but also hinders our attempts to perfect our performance.
Christ
suffered in every way just like we do and He can relate to our issues in this
life (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was tempted, but did not sin; and He abides within
us, helping us to maintain our purity.
God's Spirit
will give us new habits to overcome past failings; He enables us to thwart temptations
by giving us a motivation to serve Him rather than the flesh.
The law of
the Spirit in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death (Romans
8:2). We are free from sin’s torment and temptation (Romans 6:7, 18, 22; Acts
26:18). Christ in us then expresses Himself through us (Romans 5:10; Matthew
1:21; 1 John 4:4).
Prayer:
Father God,
remind us that we do not have to sin. We can focus on the process of our
spiritual growth rather than on our shortfalls. Help us to find a solution to
overcome the sins, which so easily trip us up. Help us not to focus on the
process, but rather on the outcome and to keep our eyes on You.
We know we
cannot perfect our self, but as we acknowledge You before we think, act or
speak, You will unveil Your plans for us and give us the strength to carry them
out in Your will and way. We can celebrate even the smallest success when it
comes from Christ in us. We give You all of the praise and glory that You
deserve.
Thought for
the Day:
Attempting
to perfect our self may diminish our future chance to walk in holiness, since
the perfection we reach on our own is done in the flesh and can also be undone
by our flesh.
