Sometimes, Discipline Isn’t Enough II

Hello guys, glad to come to your way again. How was your weekend? I followed up on the sports events in that span: COPA America, Wimbledon & Euro 2020. The drama filled with sports is something else… lol

Last week, we stressed on doing things out of self will and discipline is not ALWAYS the key. No matter how resolute you may seem, there are just “some things” that won’t bow to your resolve. We looked at a Bible passage of an apostle- a church leader who battled with certain bad habits. He came to the end of himself. In as much the virtue of self-mastery should be promoted, there are times you are at your wits end with yourself.

Look at the following verse of the same chapter we looked at last week.

“This makes me very sad! My body is leading me to death. I need someone to make me free from the power of sin over my body.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:24‬ ‭

The apostle, who was Paul in question, felt wretched over his inability to deal with the power of sin which was the issue at bay. This should teach us to have an empath on “certain people” who tend to give it all, yet don’t seem to overcome in the area of certain vices and addictions they may be personally fighting. Look at a church leader at his wits ends trying hard to save himself! This mirrors the silent cry of many going through it. Today, some of the people under the spotlight who are dealt the harshest of criticism are pastors embroiled in a scandal.

So, did Paul become free? Yes. Look at the evidence in this Bible verse.

“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:25‬ ‭

So you see, Paul indeed came to the end of himself and that is where Jesus Christ took over. Some of these fights in trying to conquer personal demons are out of our reach when we rely SOLELY on self will and discipline. The answer is in Jesus Christ who became our Lord by dying for our sins which included all our sinful, wicked and destructive habits that we don’t want people to know. He died so that we can all come to a place of rest by relying on Him.

It is only when people have made a decision to follow Jesus Christ, that they will TRULY come to a place of rest and empowerment to ward off destructive behaviors. As a Christian, I can personally attest to this: there is a certain inward strength and tenacity different from my natural, that sails me through some things. It is comforting at the same time knowing God has got this with me.

God doesn’t force a relationship with man. Man makes a will and a conscious decision to do so, and it is only through Jesus Christ that God ceases becoming a mystery to being very real in your life.

Think about it…

When you make that decision, pray this prayer: “Lord I invite you into my life as my savior. Deliver me from myself and from all my sinful ways. I repent of this and take this step of faith to proclaim you as the Lord of my struggles. Help me to know God as a father. Amen”

Congrats, if you did! This is the first of many steps. Get a Bible or download one- there are many Bible apps now. Look for a church in your area for mentorship and guidance on this walk of faith. Your journey of freedom starts now.

Thank you for making time to read. Let me know your thoughts, ideas, suggestions or questions in the comments section.

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Till, I come your way again…

Peace & Love.