Perseverance in the Face of Sin
James 1:12-15
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Growing up, my father used to tell me, "99% of the time, the hardest thing to do IS the right thing to do!" But why is it so easy to do wrong (lie, cheat, steal, envy, gossip or look away from sin)? We know that it will eventually catch up to us and then what…or will it ever catch up to us?
While we might not get caught sinning against our fellow brothers or sisters, our Father knows. And he still loves us regardless! However, just because he loves us doesn’t mean we are saved. We must have him first in our hearts, do the work and praise him. The world is a sinful place and we are guilty by association. We all fall short of the glory of God but we must persevere in living a holy life. The blueprint for perseverance in the face of sin:
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So have faith, we have all traveled those high mountains (good times) and really low valleys (rough times)…..AND HE IS ALWAYS THERE!
Keep your head up, eyes forward, chin tucked and fight the good fight in the name of the Lord! Never give up! He never gave up on us!
May you have a blessed day!
Will Ross
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Growing up, my father used to tell me, "99% of the time, the hardest thing to do IS the right thing to do!" But why is it so easy to do wrong (lie, cheat, steal, envy, gossip or look away from sin)? We know that it will eventually catch up to us and then what…or will it ever catch up to us?
While we might not get caught sinning against our fellow brothers or sisters, our Father knows. And he still loves us regardless! However, just because he loves us doesn’t mean we are saved. We must have him first in our hearts, do the work and praise him. The world is a sinful place and we are guilty by association. We all fall short of the glory of God but we must persevere in living a holy life. The blueprint for perseverance in the face of sin:
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So have faith, we have all traveled those high mountains (good times) and really low valleys (rough times)…..AND HE IS ALWAYS THERE!
Keep your head up, eyes forward, chin tucked and fight the good fight in the name of the Lord! Never give up! He never gave up on us!
May you have a blessed day!
Will Ross