Daily Verse: Romans 13:14

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature

This is an interesting verse because it doesn’t simply say “don’t sin”, but rather it seems to start a step ahead of the actual sin…As if it is saying “don’t even think about sinning…don’t even give room in your mind to imagine ways to sin…don’t give the devil a foothold in your mind to plant sinful ideas (Ephesians 4:27).” As humans, we are all prone to sin (Romans 3:11-18). Most times it can be downright easy to choose sin over righteousness. It’s easy to blow up into a fit of rage instead of controlling our anger and responding in kindness…it’s easy to be selfish and arrogant instead of being humble and selfless…it’s easy to allow lust to lead our eyes and minds instead of discipline and commitment. Sinning is easy…and the more opportunities we ALLOW for sin to make a foothold, the further we will dip into the darkness. The text above calls us to put a stop to the very beginnings of sin in our lives…in our minds. We are not to even THINK about ways to sin…much less actually commit the sinful behavior. “Impossible” we cry out…sin is just too powerful! If we attempt the battle on our own, then sure, we will probably fail. But not if we include Christ…for through Christ, we can learn to become disciplined in our thoughts, words, and deeds (Philippians 4:13). And we can learn to stop sin at the very first sign. Will we ever be perfect, completely without sin? Nope…but that is why we have Christ to intercede for us. He steps in and pays the price for the sins that, despite our efforts, we continue to commit. So today, may we live our lives with a passionate discipline and genuine gratitude for the One that has paid our price, the One that allows us to rise up despite our shortcomings. To God be the glory!