Articles
Got Sin?
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1)
I wish I could say that. I'm sure the Apostle Paul wasn't perfect, but he was able to say that.
My life still has too much sin. I don't call it mistakes, because that makes it sound like I have some innocence when I sin. No, I just still fall short. In my case, it's more omission than commission, but sin either way. What I need to be doing, I don't do.
I can take some comfort in the fact that Paul also said "... For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Rom 7:15)
I don't take comfort in it because I think I get a free pass. My comfort is in knowing that all people face a similar situation. All people struggle. The fact that when we, as Christians, recognize that we fall short, it's a sure sign that we are struggling to get it right. As Paul continued to describe his situation, he said, " So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! (Vs 21-24)
But he didn't just throw up his hands and accept the fact that he was going to have some sin, and calculate in a certain percentage of sin as part of life. NO, he recognized that Christ was necessary to save him from his sin "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (v-25) He also recognized that he needed to continue to fight against it, not just accept it " No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (Rom 9:27)
Today, as you recognize sin in your life, how are you addressing it? By accepting it, or with determination to eliminate it? A little of both is required, because we can't be perfect and can't claim to be, but we can't be content with sin either. Our mission is to be like Christ, so that when people see our example, they see Christ!
