Our scripture this morning is Romans 6:12-14.
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Paul tells us “use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (v. 13). This means our entire being, our hearts and minds as well as our bodies. God created us for good, but He gave us the capacity to choose what we do as well.
When we act selfishly, we choose what we want to do and how we interact with each other. When our thoughts and actions are not in line with God’s plan for us, it is sin, regardless of how we see or understand it. God wants us back from the control evil can exert over us and in the loving relationship with Him that we knew originally.
God’s love and forgiveness for us are so great, He sent Jesus to show us the way back to an eternal connection with Him. Our repentance and faith allow us into His presence as beloved children. As Paul tells us, we “live under the freedom of God’s grace” (v. 14) and sin can no longer control us. Accept God’s mercy and live a new life in Christ!
Heavenly Father, we are ashamed of the mess sin causes here and ask Your forgiveness. Help us to share the blessing of salvation with all the earth. Amen.