For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Romans 6:6-7)Older brothers often reminded us younger siblings that, "You're dead!" - usually because they are preparing to be the tool of the Lord's vengeance for a wrong that we had (allegedly) committed. While that can pretty much be attributed to boys being boys, I still need this reminder. Because I am dead, I do not need to yield to temptations. In fact, I should not attribute any power to the temptations to try things the old way as their power has been broken at death.
In recent days, through reminders from multiple passages and hymns (e.g., Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:1-16 & "I Surrender All"), I have been repeatedly convicted of my "I" problem. As Julie Ackerman Link pointed out in today's ODB, we are broken in our sin and in need of the renewing, binding, value-bestowing work of His blood to remake us into a whole, usable vessel in His image. Why, when He is adding all that is needed to make me complete, do I keep trying my way through the world's system to fill my perceived needs?
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
(Scripture quotations from The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.)
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