287 of 365 - Sin is no Mistake

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Romans 7:18-19
 
Has someone ever told you not to do something and although it had never crossed your mind before, you now want to do it? Or, has there ever been something you promised yourself – promised God – you would never do again, and you find yourself doing it over and over and over again?

If so, you might have a lot more in common with Paul than you thought! 

Ever since Adam and Eve took that bite of the fruit way back in Genesis 3, the temptation of sin has slithered around making its way into all parts of our lives. Then comes the law which shows us how we should live, but also how horribly short we fall in living it.

Sin is something we don’t like to talk about or think about. Andy Stanley talks about how we all prefer to call our sin "mistakes"…an error, accident, poor judgment, carelessness, ignorance…we have no shortage of explanations we have become adept at telling ourselves and others. But deep down, we know sin when we see it. We know when something is purposeful, willful, intentional. Sin is no mistake.

The problem is mistakes can be fixed by trying harder, being a bit more diligent and disciplined. But sin can’t be remedied by us. It requires a Savior. Trying harder never cuts it. C.S. Lewis says, “No man knows how bad he is until he has tried to do good.”

Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Ever feel like that? Paul answers his question, “Thanks be to God through JESUS CHRIST our Lord!” PRAISE GOD!
 
Questions: Do you find yourself in the position of Paul…wanting to do what is right, but finding yourself sinning instead? Thank God for providing a way out and a way of redemption through Jesus.