Who Do You Serve?

My Utmost For His Highest

‘Have you made the following decision about sin—that it must be completely killed in you? It takes a long time to come to the point of making this complete and effective decision about sin. It is, however, the greatest moment in your life once you decide that sin must die in you-not simply be restrained, suppressed, or counteracted, but crucified—just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world. No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be mentally and spiritually convinced, but what we need to do is actually make the decision that Paul urged us to do in this passage.’ CHAMBERS

OK, so we know that Jesus died for our sins (Romans 6:10) .  We know that 1 John 1:9 says that if we sin that God is faithful and just to forgive us.  We know that Jesus told Peter that Peter didn’t need his whole body washed, just his feet, implying that we don’t have to be saved every time we sin, but we do need to be forgiven and have our sins washed away. (John 13)

So what is Chambers talking about?  He is talking about sin no longer being your master.  You have been saved from the consequence of sin, but does sin still rule in your life?  That is what Chambers is talking about.  So many Christians live their ‘new life’ enslaved to sin.  That life is riddled with guilt and fear.  Guilt that they continue to sin and fear that people will find out about their struggle.  That is not the life that we have been called to.  Jesus said that "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)  This chapter is about abiding in Christ.  It is about our vital connection with Jesus.  Our relationship with Jesus is not something that we can turn on and off like a water faucet or light switch.  No man can serve two masters … (Matthew 6:24)

During my brief time in Haiti, I have noticed their strong connection to their culture .. to the point where their culture takes precedence over their faith.  Initially I was critical of that until I realized that North American Christians do the same thing.  In Haiti, outsiders point to Voodoo as the enemy to Christianity .. but I don’t think that’s it .. rather it is the love of the culture and the traditions of that culture.  “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'THESE PEOPLE DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. AND IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.' " (Matthew 15:7-9)

It is not a new problem.  If you and I are going to be victorious over sin .. if sin is no longer going to be our master .. then we need to draw near to God .. we must be connected to the Vine.  We must forsake our devotion to our culture … Love God with all our heart not just half of it.  Let’s start today …

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)