The internal struggle – 1 July 2008

The Law has shown me that something in me keeps me from doing what I know is right. With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God.  But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do.  Romans 7:21-23 [CEV]

Paul the Apostle writes very clearly about the struggle between what we know in our hearts and what we have to fight against in our minds.  The divided self is something that Christians have to live with daily.  Why is it that there is such a difference between what we know and what we do?

The struggle is perhaps most acute for Christians, the more we understand the “gold standard” which means that any sin can separate us from God, the more we realize how far away from perfection we are.

What then is the good news?  Paul is very clear on this matter too:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 [NIV]

This is one of my favourite passages – it goes against the world and the Devil.  Satan likes to make us judgemental (of ourselves and even more often, of others).  But we have a God who loves us unconditionally.  As a parent, I notice my imperfection when I fail in my unconditional love – it makes me appreciate how wonderful God is, in my heart even if not always in my head (since Satan sows doubt in my mind).  Don’t forget – although God hates all sin, he loves all of us sinners.  If only we could do the same!

Have you realised how much God loves you today?