In review of Romans 6:12-13 it says, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” (NLT)
To keep from letting sin control the way I live and to not give into its desires, I should: (1) Identify my personal weaknesses, (2) recognize the things that tempt me, (3) stay away from the sources of temptation, (4) practice self-restraint, (5) consciously invest my time in good habits and service, and (6) lean on God's strength and grace. Paul used the word instrument, referring to a tool or a weapon. My skills, capabilities, and body can serve many purposes, good or bad. In sin, every part of my body is vulnerable. In Christ, every part can be an instrument for service. It is to the one whom I offer my service that makes the difference. I should give myself completely to God, and ask him to put me to good use for his glory.
Every day I am controlled by something. I may be controlled by my own ego or by the expectations of others. I may be controlled by fear, guilt, resentment, or bitterness. I may be controlled by a substance or a habit. The bottom line is I am controlled by something every day.
Freedom will come when I choose what’s going to control me. When I choose Jesus Christ to be in control of my life, when I am mastered by the Master, I can master everything else. If God is not number one in my life, something else is, and it’ll control me to a negative degree. When Christ is in control of my life, he always moves me in the right direction.
Giving control over to Christ is a choice. Here are some steps to help this:
. Admit that I’ve been trying to play God.
. Admit that I can’t change on my own.
. Humbly ask God to help me change.
. Be honest with someone else about the things that need to change in my life.
. Give Jesus Christ total ownership of my life.
Stop trying and start trusting. God gives me the option to either depend on him or depend on myself. The result is either freedom or frustration.
Why not give it all to Christ? What do I have to lose?
In summary, do not let sin control the way I live and do not give in to sinful desires. Don't let my body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Rather give myself completely to God. Use my body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Ask him to put me to good use for his glory. Every day I'm controlled by something. Freedom will come when I choose what's going to control me. When I choose Jesus to be in control, I can master everything. If God isn't number one, then something else is. With Christ in control, he'll move me in the right direction. Giving Christ control is a choice. So I need to admit that I've been trying to control things on my own and that I can't change on my own. Humbly ask God to help change me. Give Jesus total ownership of my life. God gives me the option to depend on him or depend on myself. The result is either freedom or frustration. So why not give it to him?
I thank you Father for this perspective today. It is difficult for me to give over everything. I pray through the help of the Holy Spirit that I turn it all over to you and allow myself to be used for your purposes. I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work tasks, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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