For the last ten days I went without sugar. I drastically reduced my sugar intake but could not eliminate it altogether from my diet because sugar is in practically everything. I was surprised by the types and numbers of food items that contain sugar.
Sugar and sin are similar in this regard; sin is in everything in my life as well. My corrupt nature has been crucified with Christ. Still the residue of sin shows up in my speech, my thoughts and my actions. Sin lurks within me and rears its ugly head at times when I least expect it to surface. I make the mistake of thinking I have sin under control, but then I fail to read the Scriptures faithfully. And then I skip church occasionally. Meanwhile I will go for a period of time without listening to the guidance and direction of the Spirit. And, pretty soon, I am stunned to discover that sin is rampaging through my heart.
How did I think I could manage sin without my Savior? At what point did I slip into arrogance and put on audacity and tell the Lord that His work was no longer needed in my life?
The meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross has brought me salvation through faith. But the work of faith must be fleshed out daily through the reading of the Word so that through the power of the Holy Spirit I can live a life pleasing to God.
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God . . . you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2