Love to hear from and know who is listening
In the bible the book of James tells us that, whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. This is a hard concept for me to comprehend. I have never murdered anyone, but according to James 2:10 because I have broken one of God's laws I am guilty of breaking them all.
James 2: 10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Whether you want to admit it or not we all struggle with temptations and some of these temptations are more difficult, more tempting for us than others. When it comes to the 10 commandments I have no problem with the commandment don't murder or don't steal, but more than once I have coveted my neighbors stuff. I will see someone that has a brand new car and think to myself, man I wish I had a nice new car like that. Yeah, I know that may not seem like a big deal but Deuteronomy 5:21 says You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Here is an illustration that helps me understand this concept better. Let us pretend that you have been placed into a harness. Next attached to the harness is a steel chain with 10 links in it. Each of these links represent one of the ten commandments. Each of the links are solid steel except for the one that represents your greatest temptation, that link is made of a baling wire. Finally the harness and chain that is attached to you is fastened to a gallows. Under that gallows is a kettle of boiling hot oil. What do you think will happen to you when that weakest link breaks. Even though I didn't break all of the commandments of God I am still going to suffer the same consequences. Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God.
Romans 7 19-20 NIV For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
We all face a daily battles with the temptation. If you struggle with sin, it is because you are converted to Christ. Once you have been justified by faith, an internal battle begins in you. There is a new desire in every believer to do what is right. To love God, the church, the truth, and to do the will of God. But there are other desires in us that love our self and the world. There is a relentless battle between our new man in Christ and our old sinful flesh. There is never a truce between these two forces. There is never a white flag waved in this battle. There is never a ceasefire. There is a song by Shane and Shane titled, “You've Already Won.” The lyrics go like this: There's peace that outlasts darkness - Hope that's in the blood - There's future grace that's mine today - That Jesus Christ has won - So I can face tomorrow - For tomorrow's in Your hands - All I need You will provide - Just like You always have - I'm fighting a battle - That you've already won - No matter what comes my way - I will overcome - I don't know what You're doing - But I know what You've done - I'm fighting a battle that You've already won. So just remember when your struggling with your greatest temptation, your weakest link. The full and final sacrifice for ALL your sin was paid at the Cross, all your past, present, and future sins are forgiven.
