Acknowledging Jesus being “the Life” (John 14:6) and having come to give us abundant life (John 10:10), what is keeping us from living the best life in Christ. Yesterday we noted the need of considering the company in which we choose to most spend our time. However, besides the influence of others we must guard against what arises from within ourselves as we refrain from developing a sense of complacency toward sin in our life.
Complacency toward sin leads to leaving us comfortable in it. It can lead to rationalizing that our sin is not so bad. Such a focus also devalues the blood of Christ shed on our behalf (note Hebrews 10:29) as if it is not the precious thing it is (1 Peter 1:19) and of which we should ever live appreciative.
As the writer of Hebrews exhorted. . .
“(1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)
The potential for sin to weigh us down and becoming an encumbrance clinging to us and holding us back from pressing on in Christ must be acknowledged. Though we are imperfect beings remaining in need of the grace of God, perfection (i.e. Hebrews 10:14; 12:2) in Christ is to remain our goal. How can we continue in willful sin and think we can have the life Christ intends? Sin is a hindrance because it leads away from God while acknowledging and repenting of it brings us back in God’s direction. Keeping our focus fixed on Jesus aids in moving us more away from sinful desire to becoming more like Him and thus to experience the life He brings us into and the eternity to which He brings us closer. Moved from complacency to loving compliance with the Lord’s Will, may we neither grow weary nor fainthearted in striving to live the best life in Him!
Have a great day DEVELOPING CHARACTER COMPLIANT WITH CHRIST!
Carl
