“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”
Over the years, the godliest men and women I know often surprise me when someone mentions the quality of their relationship with Christ. They would typically offer a somewhat demure smile, slightly shake their head, and quietly say, like Paul, “I am the chief of sinners.” I used to see it as humility from very godly people. As time has gone by, I’ve come to realize that they genuinely meant what they said. They had discovered a deeper truth: perceived sin is typically not as devastating as the quiet, deep, dark places in the soul. For instance, someone having a little too much wine versus someone harboring contempt in their heart shows the difference in the depth of a struggle in a person’s life. There is no greater or lesser degree of sin; all of it nailed Jesus to the cross. However, the godly come to realize that the more visible sins are often easier to overcome, while the deeper sins present a much tougher challenge. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can remove any sin from our lives. We can often be fooled into believing that overcoming the sins the world witnesses makes us holy. However, this verse, and many others throughout scripture, remind us that God Himself sees the struggles at the depth of our spirit. He does not overlook those sins, but He does stand ready to fight on our behalf against the wiles of the evil one. Today, own your struggle and give it to Him. #BeTheEdge
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15 NIV
