Hudson Taylor, in his famous quote that begins with, My own position becomes continually more and more important...ends by saying this: I can not tell you how, sometimes, I am buffeted with temptation. I never knew how bad a heart I had. But I do know I love God and desire to serve Him only in all things.
No matter where I have been in my walk with the Jesus, I have related to that quote. In fact, the closer I have grown to the Lord, the more I relate to it. At times, I feel I am continually on the verge of sin.
Two clicks away from a site I should not be looking at. Two inappropriate conversations from damaging my reputation. Two transactions from ruining my integrity. Two compliments away from puffing up my ego. Two absences from something I should be doing away from not being reliable.
Don't get me wrong, there is victory in Jesus and I don't have to give in to sin anymore (Rom. 8:5-11). And I have no one to blame for my sin other than myself (James 1:13-15). The Bible is clear that we are strongly encouraged to love God with our mind (Matt. 22:37), to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Rom. 12:2) and to be prepared to give an answer to questions about the faith (1 Pet. 3:15).
But the battle with the flesh is real. And, without God, I am a weak man. Like a dog who returns to its own vomit (2 Pet. 2:22). Thank God that, therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).
Until we get our new bodies and the battle with the flesh is over, let us hold on to Ephesians 3:14-21 and completely rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us and is able to do above and beyond all that we ask and think...for the glory of God...in His grip.
Coach's tip - Jesus said, Apart from Me, you can do nothing. John 15:5
Full Hudson Taylor quote: https://shopwitsend.com/blogs/news/in-his-grip
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