Christianity (Part 2)

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21

Whew...that is a mouth full. In yesterday's devotion we looked at the fruits of the Spirit, today we drop back a few verses and take a look at the sins of the flesh (where we came from before salvation).

After we are saved God pours out His redemption on us, forgives our sin and makes a way for us to be with Him one day in paradise. Paul's warning to the Galatians should be a trumpet call to Christians today of where we came from and how easily we can fall back into 'the sins of the flesh'. We are human beings with a mind and body that wages war against the Spirit.

"And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place."

2 Chronicles 36:15

Watch out! Read the scripture and be approved for what the Spirit leads you to, the mind doesn't always want to follow. We need to know each of the sins of the flesh more so than each fruit of the Spirit.

I heard once that the analyst whose job it is to recognize the counterfeit money against the authentic have to be able to immediately spot it. So what do they do but study the counterfeit; know it like the back of their hand. Their job is to seek out the lie amongst the truth.

If we let sin in our lives, it will quickly entangle us. We have to recognize it and remove ourselves from it immediately! Don't give it any entryway into your life.

While studying for this devotion I read a quote I had jotted in the margin of my bible, "Justification by faith does not require works, but it does result in godly living." That encourages me to keep on striving in my Christian walk; to keep on the straight and narrow and know that He is cheering me on every step of the way.

"But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith"." (Gal. 3:11)

We must be diligent. (2 Tim. 2:15)

We must endure temptation. (James 1:12)

We must be trustworthy with the gospel. (1 Thess. 2:4)

We must be honorable; staying away from evil. (2 Cor. 13:7)

I hope this encourages you to keep on keeping on down the road less traveled to the open arms of our Savior. Don't focus so much on the 'do's and don'ts' and more on the 'Who' that will teach you all you need to know.

I love you and He loves you more!

Dear Lord, May we be encouraged in our Spiritual journey. Help us to center our minds on what our life is worth to You; which is Your one and only Son. That is worth everything! Amen.