As Christians, we always here in the pulpit what we can't do. They often times micromanage everyone and make people feel like crap. That's not presenting "the truth in love." That doesn't help anyone. It just reminds people how lacking they really are. We ALL "fall short of the glory of God," (Rom.3:23). If you have lived any time on this Earth as a Christian, you know this. "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Paul said in Romans 7:24. His answer? Our Lord Jesus Christ will in verse 25. "Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord." Jesus rescues us from all this sin business.
When Jesus died on the cross for all sin, having become all sin for all mankind, "by his wounds we have been healed," He redeemed us from the penalty of sin by his blood and sacrifice on the cross. He redeemed us from constantly falling short of the glory of God like we do. How? By God's grace we are justified from all the ways we fall short because of Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.
Look here:
Romans 3:23-24 NIV
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.3.23-24.NIV
See? No matter how much we fall short of the glory of God, which we do every day, we are justified freely by God's grace because of the finished work of Jesus. Literally we have hope because of Jesus Christ.
So, what CAN we do? First, stop focusing on our sin. Confess and move on. The more you focus on the sin in your life, the more you will do it. The more Satan can gain strongholds in your mind with it. So Church, stop preaching about it, talking about it, focusing on it, micromanaging it. Jesus's blood cleanses us from ALL sin as we walk in Christ every day. So when we goof up and sin, confess it to God in prayer and receive His forgiveness which is through the blood of Jesus. All sin is forgiven by the blood of Jesus past, present, and future. So praise God for His grace and forgiveness. Then live in grace and hope that Christ provides and go on with your life.
Next, do things that are "beneficial," and "constructive," NOT destructive. Paul said it this way-
1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV
[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.10.23.NIV
Them folks in Corinth had some problems just like we do today. So, Paul said do what is beneficial and constructive. That's another way not to focus on specific sin in your life. Do something that helps you. Focus on something that helps you. Dwell on and participate in things that are good for you, and you won't focus on sinful things. What you focus on is key. What you focus on is who you will become. So focus on things that are beneficial and constructive.
Next, and in conclusion, think on good things. Focus your mind on good things:
Philippians 4:8 NIV
[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8.NIV
Ignore all the bad and crappy things of the world and focus on things that true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Focus on good things. Don't fill your mind up with the junk of the world, which is so readily available through cell phones and the Internet.
This is me focusing on what we as Christians CAN and should do. We already know what we can't do because the Bible tells us and the Holy Spirit already alerts us every day in our own spirits. We already know what is not good for us. So stay away from that junk. Let's focus on what we CAN do and get on with our lives. Let's live in the joy, peace, and happiness that being in Christ provides!! Praise God the Father for our Lord Jesus Christ!! Thank God that we have hope!! Focus on good stuff, not sinful stuff.
Love you all dear readers,
Jeffrey Post
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