Under Construction

What I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. (Rom 7:15 NKJV)

After reading this verse by Paul, who to me was a spiritual giant, I honestly felt less frustrated with myself. Sometimes, it is really hard to forgive ourselves.  I don’t know how many Christians that have told me that they just can not stop sinning. This really discourages them. 

Just as Paul said, the things that they do not want to do they end up doing but what they want to do, they do not do.  Does this sound familiar? All believers are in this same situation and we may find ourselves thinking these same thoughts.  It’s a daily struggle. 

Walking with God on a daily basis is a battle because the old nature is still alive but there is actually good news in this.  The very fact that we know it’s wrong is evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in us.  Those who are without Christ are without the Holy Spirit and those in the world have no such conviction.  It is business as usual.  But for believers, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. 

To be aware that we are sinning and acknowledge our struggle with sin is wonderful because at least you want to do what is good, even if you don’t always do it. Take heart.  Sanctification is a lifelong process.  Growing in holiness takes time…a lifetime and we will never completely reach it this side of heaven. 

Even though we are not yet holy, God sees us a holy.  Why?  I thank God through Jesus Christ that His righteousness is imputed to us.  Take stock of your life.  Look back a few months or years ago and you will likely see that you have grown.  We are not sinless but we sin less!  We are not yet totally sanctified, but we are positionally justified by Christ, so even though I do not practice what I want, at least I hate the sin.  To recognize that fact should make us thankful that God has sent His Spirit to enable us to recognize sin and ask for forgiveness. 

Don’t lose heart.  God will complete in us His sanctification and make us perfectly complete in that day of His return.