I love reading worthwhile, inspirational literature. For this reason, Jan Karon remains one of my favorite authors. In her latest book, Home to Holly Springs, she pens the best definition of sin I've ever read.
"Sin comes about because if its middle letter: i. It's the seeking of our own will instead of the will of God."
Why does seeking the will of God matter? Why can't Christians just do as they please after they're saved?
Well, I think the answer may lie in Matthew 7:21. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father in Heaven." Oh, dear. It would seem that it is not enough to simply think or to say. We must ACT on our belief!
I found myself lying quietly upon my bed last night, and again early this morning, praying to desire the clear will of God in my life. I need courage to draw closer to the Cross and step back farther from the pleasure-seeking nature of my flesh.
After being a Believer for twenty-four years, I know the truth of something that my pastor, Dr. Johnny Hunt, has said on more than one occasion. "There are no tenured Christians. The struggle against temptation does not end until we draw our last breath."
This is the nature of our faith: to deny the sensuality of selfish, human desires, believing that our souls are eternally valuable to Someone we cannot see or touch. Our struggle to choose the will of the Father moment by moment in light of eternity demonstrates how much we value His provision and presence in our lives today.
O, to love Him more!
Kay O'Hara
November 11,2008
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