As
Christians, we know that God’s Word is the absolute truth on which we base our
life. We enter His rest and live according to His precepts without compromise.
The
gift of grace, which we receive at salvation washes away all of our sins
(Ephesians 2:8). We did not earn salvation and we cannot improve upon it. With
salvation there is no condemnation for anything we ever do (Romans 8:1).
So
why should we desire holiness and perfection when a place in heaven is already
guaranteed to us? Why not walk in the flesh instead of in the Spirit (Galatians
5:15-25).
Grace
does not give us permission to continue sinning. Although grace abounds in our
soul since salvation, that is no reason for sin to flourish (Romans 6:1-2).
Sin
is not a momentary lapse, but it spoils our whole life and our testimony (James
1:13-16). The Bible holds a standard of holiness and perfection for every
Believer who is washed in the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:15; Revelation
7:14).
When
we face temptation, we cannot blame God for tempting us. He is never interested
in evil, nor does He use evil to entice anyone (James 1:13).
We
are tempted by the depravity in our own soul. Satan plants the desire in our
mind; and once we entertain that degenerate thought, it takes root and blossoms
into sin.
Then,
when sin is rampant in our soul, it gives birth to corruption, destruction and death,
which we never realized would follow.
God's
Spirit abides within us and keeps us from choosing to sin. If we will walk in
the Spirit, He helps us always to select righteous thoughts, words and deeds
instead of carnal ones (Galatians 5:15-25).
Prayer:
Lord
Jesus, remind us that a life of sinless perfection is achieved one moment at a
time. With You residing within us, and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, we do
not have to entertain evil thoughts that promote sin.
Help
us to be vigilant in times of temptation to see your provision for our way of
escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Thank you for dwelling within us and giving us
the goal of walking in sinless perfection and to intimately dwell with You now
and in eternity (1 Peter 1:16).
Thought
for the Day:
We
sell our self short by believing that we cannot live up to Biblical standard.
God's Word advises us to submit to God, to resist the devil, and he will have
to flee from us. –
James 4:7
