The struggle is real

"The struggle is real", a common phrase these days. Honestly, we all see it, we all experience it.

One day my son came up to me with a wrinkled sheet of paper. I asked what he was making. He says, "Oh, I'm trying to make a paper airplane." I asked him if he still had his instruction book. He thought a moment and said I think I do. I replied wouldn't it be easier to get it and know how to do it the right way? He said, ummm, no. I want to do it my way. 

Real life application: The longer we ignore instruction, the harder we will struggle. 

God in His infinite love has given us an instruction manual too... His Word!

He says in Psalm 38:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

 Key question is: Will we struggle in our own way or trust Him, believe Him, and obey His instructions?

Christ, the sin cure

WHAT IF people could see sin like Ebola, AIDS, Polio, or COVID? Difference here? Physical illnesses that lead to death verses spiritual death which is eternal... People fear sickness and disease yet not the God who grants life to the soul.

Jesus said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

Think of the many preventative measures taken for one who is transported with any of these ailments in effort to control or contain the spread... Yet sin is more catastrophic to the soul than any of these are to the human body.

What preventative measures are being taken against this destructive spiritual disease we are all born with, SIN?

Yes, we are all born with it.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

Knowing we are a fallen humanity, God Himself provided the sin cure. Christ is the antidote!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:16-19

While there are many who seek to cure or treat human viruses and disease, people try to fix themselves apart from God. This is no different than sweeping a dusty floor in an enclosed room. Sure, there will be evidence of efforts, but when the dust settles once again there's proof not all was cleaned up!

While these diseases are terrible and can be deadly, our sin nature does carry eternal consequences... separation from God for eternity. Our efforts only carry so far. Which do you fear, that which kills the body or the One who grants life to the soul?

Are you struggling in your own efforts to do what only Christ can?