Day 203

2 Chronicles 6:12–8:10; Romans 7:14–8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. . . . I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

If those words sound like your life, you’re in good company. Paul’s confessional words opened the door to further discussion of the law in our reading from Romans today. Paul said that the war between right and wrong is waged within a person. The law is spiritual and good because it simply makes us aware of this fact. In our own strength, we are fighting a bleak, losing battle. But there is hope. Here’s how Paul put it: “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25).

For Paul (and us), Jesus changed the entire paradigm and plight of humanity. There is no longer any condemnation for those who belong to Jesus. Because we belong to Him, His Spirit frees us from the power of sin and death —something the law could not do. It all boils down to who and what we are offering ourselves to.

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things,” Paul said. “But those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).

Live into this today. Consciously turn to the Holy Spirit when envy, lust, rage, or anything else that will disrupt peace and wholeness in your life presents itself. Remember that you have a choice much like our spiritual ancestors did:

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

WORSHIP:

I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.