The things we know.

The things that we know, and the things that we do, are often very different.

What I mean by this, is that there are things that we know we should do and say, or ways that we know we ought to think; and we don’t. This is such a difficult thing for me personally, and so many others I’m sure. It’s the ultimate struggle. The things we want to do, but can’t.

I find that lately one of my biggest temptations is being quick to anger. I let myself get so stressed out by things that are minuscule in the long run. I let things build up until I can’t carry them anymore, and those around me have to deal with the meltdown, and that’s not right. I know within me that patience and long suffering are the proper route, yet, I don’t go that way. I have a lot to learn about giving things to God (like actually giving it to Him, and not just saying it..but that’s another post..)

This internal conflict is not a new thing, this is not something that only a few people struggle with, but every person in their own way.

“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.”

Romans 7:15

The book of Romans is one of my favorite new testament books. Personally, the book of Romans helps me to understand the struggle with sin, and the gospel of Christ better than any other book. There is something so convicting and yet loving in the way that Paul writes the letter. Something about the way that he is transparent about his own struggles with sin, even being such an esteemed member of the body of Christ, letting us know that no one is immune to temptations.

Paul brings up a very important point in the this book, about our internal struggle with sin.

“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.

But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.”

Romans 7:15-17

It is sin that causes this confusion within us, this internal struggle. Everything is tied to the spiritual, and this is no exception.

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

Galatians 5:17

We are carnal beings that have been called to live our lives in the spiritual. This is a struggle for us, this is something that we can not navigate without the help of the Holy Spirit.

We need to ask for help. I need to ask for help. Every thing that we do or do not, will affect parts of our lives, and parts of others’. Everything leads us one way or the other.

I encourage you today, to ask for our Fathers help every morning, and every second of the day. To remember that things are deeper than they seem. Remember that you are not helpless against these desires, for you have a Father that is more than able, and more than willing to help you. You are not a nuisance to Him. And most of all, remember, that when you do slip up, God is faithful and just to forgive you.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

Are there things that you are struggling with? Are there things you’d like to share? The comments are open for support.

Have a truly blessed day, and remember that these moments of struggle do not define you, but rather what defines you is that there is a struggle at all; it is the struggle against sin that confirms your desire for righteousness. Turn to God in these times of trouble.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1

-Grace.