Why Do I Still Struggle with Sin Even Though I am a Christ
CONVERSATIONS:
“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
In those verses, Paul expressed a frustration common to all of us:
“I already know it’s wrong, but why do I still keep doing it?”
Everyone knows smoking is bad for our health, but others still smoke.
We go to couple’s retreats and make the best resolutions. Yet we find ourselves getting impatient and unforgiving. We put our faith in God when we pray, yet on the same day, worry or anxiety consumes our thoughts.
For as long as we live in an imperfect, sinful world, we will face this struggle.
But we can be overcomers by remembering the following:
1. Be Grateful that your Conscience is Working!
The fact that you are bothered by the wrong you do, is actually a good sign!
It means that your conscience is being convicted by God that something is not right and needs to be addressed.
A healthy conscience desires to please God and is bothered by sin.
Just like in our health, our body temperature rises and we have a fever, indicating something is not right in our body. That makes us take action and do something about it.
Not every person has a healthy conscience.
The Bible mentions people who stubbornly insist on their own way and keep igmoring God’s word so much. Because of His displeasure, God has left them to their own devices.
Their consciences have become hard and unfeeling.
"Having their conscience seared with a hot iron." 1 Timothy 4:2
Q. How does one keep his conscience tender and effective?
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God says, “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” Isaiah 57:15
When our conscience bothers you, pay attention.
Ask God, “Lord, what is it that bothers You about this situation?”
Then respond immediately.
TIP: The more you read God’s word, the healthier your conscience will be.
2. Be Grateful you have a Savior.
What a comfort it is to know that God won’t give up on us.
He know we are imperfect, that’s why Jesus had to be our savior. Being a Christian means you acknowledge that you are a sinner and in need of help. We then call on our Savior daily.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Psalm 68:19
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4
Q. Based on those verses, how does God help us in our weakness?
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Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You have given me a conscience. Help me make my conscience healthy and strong by reading and listening to Your words.
Holy Spirit, please guide me everyday. Give me supernatural wisdom to know what’s right and wrong and to respond properly.
Give me a heart that is quick to repent, and quick to forgive others.
Jesus, thank you for saving me from my sins.
Remind me too, to forgive myself even as You have forgiven me.
In Jesus name, Amen.
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