Thoughts on Romans 12; Romans 12:9

One of the condemnations against the "ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" found in Romans 1 was that "Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

It wasn't enough for them that they themselves were sinning. They went so far as to delight in the sins of others. But Paul shares in Romans 12 that the focus of the believer should be so set on Christ and His will, that they would abhor those sins, "hating them with complete hatred".

But we can't simply hate the sin, we must delight in what is good. We must replace our flesh's desire for sin with a will to follow Christ.

Have you ever noticed that when you try to break a habit, you either have to replace it with something else, or you fail quickly? I cut way back on my caffeinated coffee a while ago, but I will admit that decafe coffee was the only way I even decided to take on that endeavor (no, it's not the same... but at least I can pretend, haha). When people take out a certain type of book or movies or music from their lifestyle, they automatically start looking for a replacement. When you take something out of your daily schedule, it is always replaced (sometimes with something you "had on your schedule" but never *actually* got accomplished before freeing up time, but still, replaced just the same).

And that is the way it is with sin. When Christ breaks us of our sin, he gives us a thirst for His word. Our time in His Word, our time in prayer, our time spent serving Him, quickly takes place of the things that we may have been enjoying before that are not part of His will. On the other hand, though, the same is also true. We can become so busy with "important" things that we "don't have time" for God's word. Sin will quietly creep up and fills those spare corners again, as we lose the lifeline that holds us up in temptation. 

So many times, I have heard testimonies, and even experienced myself, that when I neglect to feast on Christ's word, I find myself struggling more and more to delight in what is good. I find it easier and easier to step off the path and do whatever is easiest- which is always what your flesh craves.

But when God breaks your hardening heart and brings you back to His word, and as you delight again in it, though temptations do not become less, standing firm in Him, you will find that "[His] grace is sufficient for you, for [His] power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Blessings,

Bri