Paul lays it all on the line - the human condition is to sin, despite our knowledge that sin is evil and leads to death: "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing."
Can you relate to Paul in this passage? Every day, dear Bible Blast readers, I find myself in this condition. I long to be salt and light. I want to be loving to my neighbor, even when they don't deserve it. I want to be kind and forgiving at work even when I have been unjustly slighted. I want coworkers to say "what is different about her? what does she have in her life that I don't have?" But instead, I find myself pulled into gossip ... or laughing at a joke that hurts someone else....anything but bringing glory to God.
And, as Paul says, I say, "What a wretched woman I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"
And again I read verse 25, and I rejoice that God, through Jesus Christ, has delivered me. When I find myself out of control and headed toward evil and sin, I stop and remember: I am not in control. Jesus paid the price. And I give humble thanks for this gift that I don't deserve and could never earn.
Lord, on my own power, I simply cannot be good. I fail every day. Help me to rejoice that you have paid the price for my sin - before I had the chance to earn your favor. Help me to rest in that good news, and to daily strive to be more like you. Amen.
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