Sometimes we think that we have arrived....

The day that we think we've arrived, woe to us, as we may easily fall and stumble.

 

Galatians 6:3 in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) says:

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing,

he deceives himself.

 

He who is filled with pride lives here. He thinks he's arrived, he is best, he has overcome. However, most times, he is comparing himself to the world's standards and not God.

This is why we must remain in the Word daily. When we are examining our hearts compared to God's Word, we see where we are falling short, we see our weaknesses and become even more dependent on God. When we are weak, than He is strong.

I personally want to operate in God's strength because He is mighty, steadfast and constant. Our strength is fleeting. When we are depending only on ourselves and becoming self-sufficient, we fall to temptation a lot easier. And we become deceived. When we walk under the veil of deception, the temptation easily evolves into sin in our bodies, our mind, and are birthed into our lives, where others are greatly impacted!

Read Romans 6:12-13 New American Standard Bible (NASB):

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,  and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

How do we let sin reign in our bodies? By entertaining the thoughts that do not honor God. Contemplating sin, justifying sin, and acting on those thoughts and temptations, letting sin into our being. Again, we see the need to be in the Word. When we read things like Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death..." - how can continue to walk in sin? If we say we believe in God, how can we not believe His Word. We are deceived if we think that the sin will not bring death to our lives, our relationships, and our spiritual walks with God.

Yes there is grace, for the sincere repentant heart. Look up repentance. Repentance is NOT confession. Confession is telling of the sin...maybe even apologizing. But repentance is: determined to refrain from the committing of the sin, to STOP living out the sin. We've got to get out from under the deception, acknowledge our sin, and completely stop, turn away, and head toward Jesus Christ and the everlasting life He brings.

I always remind myself that eternity begins NOW. The day I accepted Christ, my eternal life began. Why would I want to put myself under the bondage of sin, the lies of the enemy again? I saw what that got me...trust me, it's not worth it. 

But prove youselves doers of the word,

and not merely hearers that delude themselves.

- James 1:22 (NASB)

How can we do what the Word says, if we don't read it? Do we just sit in our churches, nodding our heads that the pastor is right on Sunday, but fail to put into action what we hear? Monday through Saturday, are we forgiving, loving, crucifying the flesh and it's lustful desires? Are we listening to verses such as Romans 6:12?  Are we slaves to sin or to God?

In moments of temptation turn to Romans 6:14-22.

Here's my reminder in the face of temptations of any kind:

If I do things God's way, I get God's results.

And I truly want the life that God has for me. He wants to bless me, provide for me, and be present in my life. How can I forfeit that for sin, momentary pleasure that brings death? (Romans 6:23, remember...)

I am here not to discourage or condemn, but to exhort you to turn to the Lord, be transparent with Him, take responsibility for your sin, sinful nature, ask for His help, forgiveness, and empowerment to overcome 'the sin that so easily entangles you'. And fully repent and turn away from that sin, with God's help!

Keep your sights on Christ, not the world. Compare your life to Scripture, not your friends who are living in the world. What does light have to do with darkness?

We've got to live for God completely! Don't let sin or temptations disqualify you and rob you or your family of God's blessings and presence. So read the Word, study the Word to live the Word!!!

He loves you and wants you to want HIM above all else

- so go for it & do it!