Held to a Higher Standard

Have you ever become weary in doing what is right?

Seeing others getting by (or from what you can see) with sinful behaviors (I’m sorry I have to call it what it is…remember a sin is engaging in anything that God tells us not to do), and thinking for a moment about giving into your own unfavorable choices due to frustration, rebellion, growing weary in waiting for God’s timing, and the list can go on and on of the many attacks of the mind to pull you out of the will of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Bible tells us the wages of sin is death. Praise God! Jesus Christ paid our sin debt in FULL. This does not mean we are free to do whatever we want without regard for consequences. God is full of love, mercy, and grace and is able to deliver us when we fall short – Psalm 34:19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all – we still have a responsibility to be careful of the seeds we sow. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

For this reason, we cannot ignore the power of the Holy Spirit when He tries to get our attention. Some of us say it’s a deep nudge from within when we’re thinking stinky thoughts with the intent to act on them, or an inner voice. Whichever way the Holy Spirit chooses to get your attention, please do not ignore it. The more you ignore Him and allow sin to take over your life, the lesser you will hear from Him. Romans 1:28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. If we’re not careful, this is where sin can become acceptable to our lives and the flesh is fed and not the Spirit.

How do I know it’s possible to feel this way? I experienced it for myself. I recognized I had grown weary in doing what was right and waiting for the turnaround. For a split moment I thought about going into an I don’t care anymore place (remember my blog on this topic two weeks ago – Cast Your Cares! If you haven’t read it, then click on this link. It’s amazing how I wrote this blog beforehand). I felt a deep nudge from within telling me not to proceed. Have you ever been here? Then I avoided prayer because I knew my thoughts weren’t pleasing to God. Thankfully, this didn’t last long because I felt God pulling at me to pray. Everywhere I looked I saw the word Prayer. I am sharing this to let you know you’re not alone if you have ever been in this place. I had to make the choice to either believe His Word and trust Him, or possibly make a decision that I would have to live with later.

I am no longer a baby in Christ. Therefore, I cannot live my life as the world does and make excuses. I remember Oprah saying on many programs: When you know better, you do better. Here’s the insightful four minutes clip where she discusses it in detail: http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/the-powerful-lesson-maya-angelou-taught-oprah-video
God knows exactly where each of us are in Christ. We are called to think and act like Christ (Philippians 2:5). Thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit to help us live this way. Our heavenly Father has given us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3).

Sometimes it’s not always easy to be the one who does what is right all the time. You may have grown weary in waiting for your breakthrough, but I’m here to encourage you not to give up. God promises in Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

God sees everything you have gone through and he has not forgotten His promises. You will be rewarded according to your faith. Don’t give up. Living in sin may be fun in the world’s eyes, but it only leads to destruction in the end. Why go down a DEAD END road if you know it will not get you anywhere?

If you are not saved, please visit my Salvation Prayer page. The promises I write about in this blog site can be for you too by accepting God’s free gift of salvation today. Jesus Christ has already paid the price. Welcome Him in your heart today.

Love you all in Christ,
Ayesha L. Shoulders

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