"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
Romans 13:14 ESV
Our pastor preached from the text in Romans 13:11-14 this past Sunday. The above scripture cuts straight to the bone of my own devious plan for making a way....making my way plausible and being certain that it comes to pass. I know that sin is most often a calculated act but at the same time I find myself arguing that certain things, thoughts, or circumstances occur so quickly and without warning that I discover I am knee-deep before I realize what has transpired.
Not true. I made provision. Always. I have cut the path for the trail that leads to sin. Even when I can't see my own wicked forethought, I must confess that I did not put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-20. Either way...provision was made.
Not only must I make no provision for the flesh, but I must also make provision for righteous choices. It is much easier for me to just avoid certain situations, conversations or circumstances that might provide a slippery slope or a route to failure. How much harder is it for me to actually "choose" the path of righteousness?Is it possible for me to stand still and at the same time honor God and His commands?
No.
For me to stand still....would be the same as being neither hot nor cold. Lukewarm. Rejected and spit out is not where I want to find myself before Holy God. I must choose. It is a difficult thing to be deliberate in choices. Chris and I have been trying desperately to do so. Deliberately choosing the narrow path has proven to be a challenge, not just daily but minute by minute....
14"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
15"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!
16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
19Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
Revelations 3:14-19 ESV
2 comments:
I hear you sister! It is a minute by minute of deciding to walk in HIS SPIRIT everyday. I'm so thankful that Marv and I have learned this over the past few months! There is such peace even admist the worldliness when we are keeping our eyes on Jesus. Each day won't be perfect or easy, but when walked in HIS SPIRIT you can see the bigger picture. Good words from the word my friend!
Oh that was from me!
Love you sister,
Tiff
Post a Comment