Back to the Cross!

You know, I really am delusional. At times I think way to highly of myself lacking Christ like humility. Sometimes I think I'm beyond temptation, and that I am no longer a sinner. This perspective is one that has poisoned the minds of many that have come before me. It's deadly!

In fighting the battle against sin and temptation I've realized that I am not beyond sin or temptation. "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12 Although I'm still a sinner, I'm no longer a slave to sin. I have the ability through Christ alone to resist temptation, which is the language of the flesh, that speaks to my sin nature. "But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." James 1:14-15 A lack of humility will lead me to a worldly death. It is Him who has done and is doing all the work. It is his breathe that I breath, it is His strength that upholds me, and it Is His Spirit that sanctifies me. "I have no good apart from Him." Psalm 16:2 "I am the vine you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

The problem with our culture is(Christian Culture), is that we have not realized our own depravity. We see everybody else's just fine, and praise ourselves for not being like them. But what we don't see, what I don't see, is that I would've been and could still easily become just like "Them" if not for the grace of God. We are not beyond sin; and we are all, murderers, thieves, and adulterers. Jesus said it best in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5-7:1-27 Realizing our own depravity goes along with the sanctification process. The Cross serves as a constant reminder of our depravity and the escape from it. It is at the foot of the cross where we are humbled and lead to repentance. It is my prayer that I would be reminded daily of my own depravity, which would lead be to repentance, then praise, of a merciful, gracious, and good God who is mighty to save.