6/26/19

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Galatians 5:16-17

God created us with the ability to choose our own actions, free will to decide how to live. God also gave us commandments to guide our behavior and made us responsible to Him and each other for the outcome. From the very beginning humans have misused this freedom.

In Genesis 3:6-7 we read of our first failure, choosing our desire in willful disobedience of God’s instruction. Yes, there was outside influence involved, but that only led to the second failure, blaming someone else for our mistakes. The sad story goes that God questioned Adam, who pointed to Eve, who pointed to the serpent, who had no arms and so couldn’t point to anyone else. The truth of this story is that we own our sin, no matter who we point to – the decision and the blame belong to us individually.

God, our loving creator, knows us and understands our failure. He stands ready to forgive our sin when we acknowledge our wrongdoing and turn to Him in repentance. He has seen the very best and worst we can be, and loves us in spite of all our poor choices. Take your mistakes to the Lord and He will take the burden from you. Let His loving spirit fill you and guide you to the life He intends for you.

Gracious God, we know we fall into error when we choose our own way. We regret our wrongs and want to be reconciled to You in love. Lead us, Lord; show us Your plan for our lives. Amen.

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