Living for God
Romans 6:6-7, 11-13 (NCV)
We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us and we would not be slaves to sin. Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.
In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive with God through Christ Jesus.
So, do not let sin control your life here on earth so that you do what your sinful self wants to do. Do not offer the parts of your body to serve sin, as things to be used in doing evil. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have died and now live. Offer the parts of your body to God to be used in doing good.
Reflection
Recently, I saw this quote on one of the social media platforms, “Me yelling at squirrels in the street to move so that they don’t die is probably the same feeling God has watching me live my life most days.”1 After enjoying a good laugh, I began to see some pretty strong correlations between this statement and how we must appear to God at times.
Just like the squirrels running in the road, we frequently put ourselves in perilous situations, driven by our thoughts, desires, and our confusion as to what is right and wrong. When we live our lives under these conditions, we open ourselves to the power of sin. And when we allow sin to take over, we begin to lose our way.
As Christians, we know better. Jesus died and took our sin upon Himself, but through His resurrection, He conquered both sin and death. Jesus has done so much for us; we should be more than ready to show our love and devotion to Him through our obedience.
We can show our obedience to God in many ways, but one of the greatest ways is by keeping our bodies set apart from acts we know to be morally against what God has taught us. Sexual immorality is a very perilous road to be on, and just like the hapless squirrels, we are very much in danger of losing our lives.
By being dead to sin, but alive to God through the sacrifices made by Jesus, we can live in such a way that we don’t allow our bodies to control our destiny. We can honor God with our minds, souls and bodies, and break free from the entanglements of sin.
[1] 3am Thoughts
Action Steps
1. Do you ever feel like the squirrels – that you are not in control of your destiny, and putting yourself in the path of sin? Think about practical ways you can change some of your behaviors so you are more in control of your direction in life.
2. Are you struggling with lifestyle issues that you know are against God’s will, but feel powerless to change? Or, do you know someone in this situation? PRAY, and ask for God’s help. Show God your vulnerability, and lean on Him for strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and for giving me a path that leads away from sin. Lord, help me to stay on that path, and to always remember the sacrifices Jesus made to keep the path to holiness, righteousness, and eternal love open to me. Amen.
We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us and we would not be slaves to sin. Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.
In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive with God through Christ Jesus.
So, do not let sin control your life here on earth so that you do what your sinful self wants to do. Do not offer the parts of your body to serve sin, as things to be used in doing evil. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have died and now live. Offer the parts of your body to God to be used in doing good.
Reflection
Recently, I saw this quote on one of the social media platforms, “Me yelling at squirrels in the street to move so that they don’t die is probably the same feeling God has watching me live my life most days.”1 After enjoying a good laugh, I began to see some pretty strong correlations between this statement and how we must appear to God at times.
Just like the squirrels running in the road, we frequently put ourselves in perilous situations, driven by our thoughts, desires, and our confusion as to what is right and wrong. When we live our lives under these conditions, we open ourselves to the power of sin. And when we allow sin to take over, we begin to lose our way.
As Christians, we know better. Jesus died and took our sin upon Himself, but through His resurrection, He conquered both sin and death. Jesus has done so much for us; we should be more than ready to show our love and devotion to Him through our obedience.
We can show our obedience to God in many ways, but one of the greatest ways is by keeping our bodies set apart from acts we know to be morally against what God has taught us. Sexual immorality is a very perilous road to be on, and just like the hapless squirrels, we are very much in danger of losing our lives.
By being dead to sin, but alive to God through the sacrifices made by Jesus, we can live in such a way that we don’t allow our bodies to control our destiny. We can honor God with our minds, souls and bodies, and break free from the entanglements of sin.
[1] 3am Thoughts
Action Steps
1. Do you ever feel like the squirrels – that you are not in control of your destiny, and putting yourself in the path of sin? Think about practical ways you can change some of your behaviors so you are more in control of your direction in life.
2. Are you struggling with lifestyle issues that you know are against God’s will, but feel powerless to change? Or, do you know someone in this situation? PRAY, and ask for God’s help. Show God your vulnerability, and lean on Him for strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and for giving me a path that leads away from sin. Lord, help me to stay on that path, and to always remember the sacrifices Jesus made to keep the path to holiness, righteousness, and eternal love open to me. Amen.
Posted in Tree Church Daily Devo
Recent
Archive
2024
January
My Only AimRun to WinSetting Aside the Good for the BestDon’t Lose HeartFight the Good FightReflecting on Finishing Well…Not The Year But LifeLook UpPurposed in My HeartA Life of PrayerTo the Left or to the Right Seeking Godly CounselThe Word of the LordReflecting on Looking UpLooking BackGod is FaithfulSpiritual EyesRememberWorthy of PraiseThrough All GenerationsReflecting on Looking BackLook DownMoments of TruthThink It ThroughGod-Centered DecisionsLive Without Regrets Heartbreaking HindsightReflecting on Looking DownLooking ForwardA Solemn WarningSeeking God’s WillLearning What Is Good
February
Nothing Is HiddenAt The CrossroadsReflecting on Looking ForwardOpen Your EyesConsider Your WaysLord, Open Our Eyes!Seeing the UnseenKeeping Our Eyes on JesusTrusting God AloneGod Is With UsReflecting on Open your Eyes The Calling of GodIf it Pleases the KingFollow MeHere Am IFuture BlessingsWhat Do You Want Me To Do?Reflecting On The Calling of GodNot Coming DownWhen Adversity Arrives Focused on the CallingThe Armor of GodThe Voice of OppositionGod’s Glory on DisplayReflecting On Not Coming DownThe Principle of “And”Prayer and PetitionEvaluate and Get StartedPray and FightLiving with PurposeWork and Protect
March
Faith and WorksReflecting on The Principle of “And”Bad Timing is Perfect TimingConsider Your WaysThe Richness of JesusSacrificial GivingThe Willing HeartThe Blessings of ObedienceReflecting on Bad Timing is Perfect TimingLegacySetting a Godly ExampleThe Next GenerationHanding Down FaithfulnessGod’s WisdomTeach Your Children WellReflecting on LegacyEveryone Did Their PartUnited With PurposeStaying the CourseWalk In UnityEmbrace My RoleAm I accountable?Reflecting on Everyone Doing Their PartClarity to PainPraying through the PainThe Throne of GraceCasting Your CaresRedeeming Our PainRestoredReview: Reflecting on Clarity to PainThe Cross Brings Clarity of God’s Love
No Comments