2-23-06
The struggle against sin may be explained as easier than it really is.
We often present ourselves as more successful in that struggle than
we really are. Many may not even realize how unsuccessful they have
been in dying to sin every day over time. This struggle we are called
on to engage in throughout our lives requires more effort, in fact, than
most are willing to give to the battle.
Are the struggles against sin not more often a token effort than real?
The sinner knows he is going to "give in". In fact, the sinner would
have quite a conundrum were God to offer to just remove the
temptation completely because the sin is so much a part of the one
who sins. Now, by "sinner" I don't necessarily mean lost, I just mean
one who is sinning.
If we have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood we have not
resisted as expected! That is very clear in scripture, but not clearly
practiced by very many Christians. It even sounds somehow more
extreme than what should really be called for - surely we only need to
make an effort to redirect our thoughts or our tongue or our eyes. But
blood?
If you were in combat how hard would you fight? If your family was
being attacked and you feared for their lives at what point would your
struggle stop? Sin is just that serious. Satan is just that kind of enemy
- trying to destroy your life and your family's life - and temptation is
often his weapon of choice. Struggling against sin like it barely matters
is like standing aside while your child is beaten or worse.
Dale
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