The First Step Toward Sin .. Asking "Did God Really Say?"

My Utmost For His Highest

 

Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. —Galatians 5:24

 

“The natural life itself is not sinful. But we must abandon sin, having nothing to do with it in any way whatsoever. Sin belongs to hell and to the devil. I, as a child of God, belong to heaven and to God. It is not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my natural independence, and my self-will. This is where the battle has to be fought. […]  Very few of us would debate over what is filthy, evil, and wrong, but we do debate over what is good. It is the good that opposes the best. […] The cost to your natural life is not just one or two things, but everything. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24). That is, he must deny his right to himself, and he must realize who Jesus Christ is before he will bring himself to do it. Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own independence. […] If we do not purposely sacrifice the natural, the supernatural can never become natural to us. There is no high or easy road. Each of us has the means to accomplish it entirely in his own hands. It is not a question of praying, but of sacrificing, and thereby performing His will.” CHAMBERS

 

Be careful that you don’t fall victim to the sin of Adam and Eve … “Did God really say?”  You look at something or consider some action and instead of filtering it through the Word of God, you question God’s Word.  The Spirit prompts you with the Truth, but your flesh wants what it wants, and you rationalize the justification.  It’s not that bad.  I know lots of Christians who do the same thing or worse.  It is as if we create a scale of sin acceptability.  There are some things we would never do, but there are some things that are in the grey area .. that are really OK.  When Paul wrote about Christians have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, he is referring to the passions and desires that will draw you to sin against God.  So let me ask this … does the fact that you choose to sin matter to you?  Do you see it as a problem?  On one hand do you acknowledge how things ought to be and then on the other choose to make destructive choices and live in a way that is contrary the Truth.  Christian, you must be careful.  Living in that manner may seem distant to you, but it is only one choice away.  You know what is right and wrong … what brings glory to God and what does not.  Be alert! You must prepare yourself every day … guarding your heart and your mind …  ELGIN

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

 

Charley Elgin