Tuesday, May 30th
Devotional written by Elaina White, Director of Early Childhood
TURN AWAY FROM SIN
To read today: Romans 6:1-23
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Colossians 3:5-6
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Sin is certainly not something we enjoy thinking about or admitting we do. We don’t sit around the table with our family and friends, bragging about our sins. However, we all sin, and we do not live a perfect life as Jesus did. Most of the time, it’s easier to see the sin in someone else rather than ourselves. Even though it’s hard to admit we are flawed, God has called us to and desires that we turn to Him.
In the key verse above, Paul is urging followers of Christ to turn away from sinful behaviors and attitudes rooted in our earthly nature. He says to “put to death” these sinful behaviors. Paul reminds us of specific behaviors that are not consistent with the behaviors Christ is calling us to have. This portion of scripture emphasizes the seriousness of sin. It warns that because of these sins, the wrath of God is coming. This is not a warning of condemnation but rather a reminder that sin has consequences and that God desires us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
The next time we want to focus and point out someone else’s poor choices, let’s refocus and ask God to help us with our choices. May God do a mighty work in us.
Prayer: Lord, help me to turn away from sin and see your desires for my life. Guide me to “put to death” my sinful behaviors and help me to be rooted in You. Lord, I give you this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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