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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Have you ever been there, feeling that low and being that honest? Mentally and emotionally agreeing with Paul as he bares his soul in Romans 7:18,19, confessing “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.” Which stands categorically opposed to the social teaching of our day – that man is basically good, just needing the right circumstances to express it; the Bible teaching not so much that everything a man does is evil but that evil is always present, sometimes even in the good. How could that be? What motivates us to do good? Because we see a need or seeking praise and possible recompense in return for our good deeds? (See Matthew 6) Paul further explaining, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind…” Romans 7:21-23 (Harry Truman mirroring these thoughts when he confessed, “(I am) just a common everyday man whose instincts are to be ornery, (but) whose anxious to be right,…”)1
Where does this “evil” come from? The sin nature. What’s that? Simply put, the sin nature – which we all are afflicted with – is an inborn selfishness; a perfect example being babies. Even in their innocence they are extremely demanding. They want fed – right now! They need attention – immediately! As they grow a little older they have to be taught – or forced – to share, as on their own they have no inclination or intention of doing so. Everything is MINE! If this attitude is left uncorrected, they will become even more selfish and demanding, often becoming aggressive and abusive as adolescents and even adults.
“…the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:17 The acts of the sinful nature being relatively obvious: sexual excess, idolatry – allowing anything or anyone to take precedence over God; hate or lack of love, discord, jealousy, uncontrolled emotional outbursts, selfish ambition, disagreeable cliques, envy and drunkenness. (Not an all-inclusive list but a pretty good start.) While the acts or the fruit of the Spirit are equally obvious in their contrast: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-23) That’s why we are warned, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” Romans 8:5-9
Paul advising “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” He then goes on to encourage us to choose selflessness over selfishness by, “…not becom(ing) weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 We must understand that this does not come naturally to any of us. So how do we accomplish it? Continuous, conscious effort, allowing the Spirit to impose its will over our natural inclination; James asking, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:13-17 (Self-less love further described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.)
In the course of time, Paul, a strong-willed and strong-spirited individual, made a startling statement to the Corinthian church. He had accomplished much in his ministry, partly because of his strong character and willingness to work hard. He was likewise well blessed of God. But, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh.”; a physical handicap or illness no one is entirely sure about. Paul believed this to be a reminder of his own frailty and fallibility compared to the greatness of God. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Jesus assuring Paul that he could and would bless him in such a way as to overcome whatever his “thorn in the flesh” was and in so doing be able to use him more.
Paul would realize God’s power first-hand, learning to depend on him even more, others witnessing what God was able to do even when using someone less than perfect. Throughout this process, Paul was able to declare, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (See 1 Corinthians 2:4) That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 It was only as he learned to pull himself out of the way that his wants, preferences and even his needs became inconsequential when compared to God’s plan for his life. In doing so, we are more able to respond to God’s will and are more quickly able to see others’ needs, becoming stronger in the process. As we, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than (our)selves.” Philippians 2:3
In reality, strength and weakness are often a matter of perception; Paul using Christ as a prime example. Perceived by the world as a wandering preacher with no wealth, possessions, job, or home; he was in truth the Son of God, the creator of the universe, the biggest catalyst for spiritual and social change the world has ever seen! (See 2 Corinthians 13:4)
1The colorful, plain-spoken 33President of the United States.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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