What Do We REALLY Want?

In Romans chapter seven Paul discussed the idea that the law God had given was good in that it pointed out what sin was. Therefore it was not a problem with the law, but rather sin that created the struggle. ( Romans 7:7-14) Paul also described the struggle we may have all experienced in finding ourselves too often doing the very things we were trying not to do. ( Romans 7:15-20) The thing we need to be mindful of is WHERE ARE WE STRIVING TO KEEP OUR FOCUS? Do we lightly excuse ourselves by claiming sin is merely the result of being imperfect beings impacted by the flesh? Do we pass it off as Paul asked, "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?"? ( Romans 6:1) He immediately went on to state, "By no means!" [ or "Certainly not!" NKJV)] ( Romans 6:2 ESV) We are to acknowledge that having been baptized into Christ we have died to sin! ( Romans 6:2-4) It is no longer to be our lifestyle?

Yes, we are imperfect beings. There will be sin to confess and ask forgiveness for in the future. However, where is our SINCEREST DESIRE FOCUSED? Note one verse in the midst of Paul's discussion.

Paul wrote. . .
"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." ( Romans 7:18 ESV)

Bottom line, we need God's help! We ought to praise Him for His mercy and grace! However, His grace is not to be viewed as freedom to keep on sinning. (note Jude 4) Though in and of ourselves we lack the "ability" to perfectly carry out the Will of God, how much DESIRE do we have "TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT"? Is that really where our DESIRE IS FOCUSED? To make excuses or think lightly of sin will only serve to weaken that desire! Sin must be acknowledged as sin! Living with a genuine concern more for breaking God's heart than breaking His law -- thinking more about the DESIRE to maintain a right relationship with Him -- we will find ourselves making the right choices more often. Praise God for His grace, but let it always be our greatest "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT"!

Have a great day LIVING TO GLADDEN THE HEART OF GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Desire