Galatians 5:19-21 (NASB)’Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ‘
I was reading in Galatians and after reading through chapter 5, I was reminded of the sin still very present in my life. So many things that lurk just below the surface. Over the past few years, I’ve made progress, sure, but still, far too often these carnal issues still find their way to the surface far more often than I would like. It’s hard for me to look at this list from Paul, and not feel convicted and embarrassed. So, often I get caught up in the trap of, “I’ve come so far”, and lose sight of what still needs to be worked on and through. It’s important to do, though and the positive take on this is, one cannot root out the issues if he/she does not first examine oneself, admit and face these issues. One of the worse things to experience as a parent, is disappointment with the action or behavior of your child. When I think about my failings in the context of being a child of God, I am burdened by the knowledge of the disappointment my sin brings to Him. Thank you, Jesus, for your willingness to cast light upon these deeds that need to be rooted out.
It’s humbling when I realize that no matter how far I come, there’s always another step He needs me to take. One can allow themselves to become discouraged by the realization that no matter what progress we make, it’ll never be all the way, or we can chose to be encouraged. We can be encouraged by the truth that no matter where we end up, Jesus WILL take us the rest of the way.
Galatians 5:22-25 ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. ‘
Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
