Bible Reading Blog
“What Controls You?”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Romans 6
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6.12-14)
Whether or not we choose to believe it, something controls every one of us. Paul defines this simply: It is either sin or God. Very few would admit when sin reigns in their life, but one’s obedience is a clear indicator. “We are slaves to whatever we obey” (Romans 6.14).
What do you allow to dictate your choices? Maybe you don’t succumb to evident sins, but…
- Do you fight the temptation to respond quickly to someone who said something rude?
- Do you divert your eyes and change the channel when you see something inappropriate?
- Do you show kindness to someone who has a bad attitude towards you?
- Do you obey what you know God has said?
Most of us know God’s expectations in these situations. So, we either choose to let sin reign or let God reign. There is no middle ground. I cannot make excuses for bad attitudes and outbursts of anger. I cannot accept lazy behavior and ambivalence. I cannot belittle God’s power by succumbing to my weaknesses, anxieties and fears.
If I belong to Christ, I will not let my passions dictate my actions. Snapping at someone for their snide remarks is not an excusable offense. Indulging in a guilty pleasure is not consistent with a life of holiness. Getting my way does not reflect God’s nature and will not produce happiness in my marriage.
These things are not only wrong but unfulfilling and eternally destructive (Romans 6.23). On our own power we will fail in these moments to please God. But in Christ, we have been shown the way we ought to live. God’s standard of teaching controls us to not only think but act differently (Romans 6.17). In Christ, we are more than conquerors, able to do all things, when we conform to God’s word in obedience. It is not merely a matter of outward show, but inward commitment. In moments of passion, I must deeply trust that I will only find satisfaction if I choose to let God control me.
Something controls every one of us. What controls you?
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6.22-23)
