Unwelcome Intruder

Scripture: 15 I’m a mystery to myself, for I want to do what is right, but end up doing what my moral instincts condemn. 16 And if my behavior is not in line with my desire, my conscience still confirms the excellence of the law. 17 And now I realize that it is no longer my true self doing it, but the unwelcome intruder of sin in my humanity. 18 For I know that nothing good lives within the flesh of my fallen humanity. The longings to do what is right are within me, but will-power is not enough to accomplish it. 19 My lofty desires to do what is good are dashed when I do the things I want to avoid. 20 So if my behavior contradicts my desires to do good, I must conclude that it’s not my true identity doing it, but the unwelcome intruder of sin hindering me from being who I really am. 21 Through my experience of this principle, I discover that even when I want to do good, evil is ready to sabotage me. 22 Truly, deep within my true identity, I love to do what pleases God. 23 But I discern another power operating in my humanity, waging a war against the moral principles of my conscience and bring me into captivity as a prisoner to the “law” of sin – this unwelcome intruder in my humanity. 24 What an agonizing situation I am in! So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the unwelcome intruder of sin and death? 25 I give all my thanks to God, for his mighty power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! So if left to myself, the flesh is aligned with the law of sin, but now my renewed mind is fixed on and submitted to God’s righteous principles. (Romans 7:15-25 The Passion) Unwelcome intruder is exactly what sin is. When we might least expect it, it creeps in. We want to do what is right, but sometimes the unwelcome intruder is there instead. Each day we must put up our safeguards against this intruder, sin. Our Lord and Savior has made a way for us to do this. His grace and power are available to us. I thank You for Your grace and power that helps me each day to guard against the unwelcome intruder – sin. You are good and I love You and Your ways. AMEN My God, You’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’ve proven to be a help in times of trouble – more than enough and always available whenever I need You. Psalm 46
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