DO You DO The Things You Hate?

Paul said, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want” (Romans 7:18-19)

Hey Gang: Did you know that the Bible is filled with very effective road maps to living truly effective lives? For instance, look at Colossians three and note that Paul gives us a formula for change.

But, before giving us the formula, he sets the prerequisites for implementation and success of this formula in verse one: “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ…”. The principles in the Word are many but keep in mind there are prerequisites to receiving God’s blessings.

Paul goes on and gives us the ‘rest of the story’, “…keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth”.

He then gives us step one to the change process: “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” What a joy there is in knowing that, when we have surrendered our lives to Christ, we are literally hidden with Him and, when He is revealed,  we will be revealed with Him in glory.”  Wow!, Just plain wow!

Now Paul goes on with the prerequisites to being hidden with Him: “…consider your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” Is Paul saying that God would like us to die to these things?  No, I believe it goes a lot deeper. Notice Paul’s next words: “For it is because of these things the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience”.

So, young folks, remember the hillbilly adage, “Your gunna get what ya always got, if ya do what ya always did!’ You will make choices today. Will you “put off” those things that offend God and “put on” those things that bring honor and glory to Abba Father? Will you “let God” have full control of your day?

Blessings,

Gramps