Something is not right with me. I know it. Yet when others tell me where I am failing I still attack them. I even defend my wrong. I blame others for my situation. I shelter my diseased heart and cherish my sin. Why do we do that? Well, we are fallen. Change is hard. We are fighting against our very nature. So then, how can we overcome our sin?
I want to change but I don’t know how. I make resolutions but they are simply a bridge too far, they become the road not taken. My resolutions are often a dead end street. I fail. Continually. Guilt and shame multiply with every defeat. The only path to peace, it seems, the way to reach some level of comfort, is to stop trying to change. I grow comfortable right where I am. So, how can I change my failing resolutions into victorious resolve? Stop fighting alone!
When God gave his people his law, his perfect law, that we are to obey, what were his very first words? “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). God declares deliverance and victory before he gives the law! To change your nature you must start with God and embrace his steadfast, covenant love. He has already delivered you! So, put on the armor of God and be who you already are!
Augustine prayed to God,“Command what you will and grant what you command.” Demand away, but give us the strength to obey. God’s grace enables God’s people to fulfill God’s commands. Fallen man is unable to self-generate self-control nor embrace the transforming love of God on their own. It is grace that empowers obedience.
Look at Philippians 2:1-4. “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” The encouragement and comfort of Christ is required to selflessly slay the dragons of sin.
Or take Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to all ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” The grace of God empowers us to say no to ourselves and yes to God. The love of God makes us willing, eager, and able to overcome our sins.
You cannot slay sin on your own.
Resolutions are pointless. God given resolve cannot fail. Stop fighting on your own. Receive the victory of Jesus.