Why Do I Do What I Know I Should Not?

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:12:49 GMT

As I work my way through Revelations, I will be finishing my second reading of the Bible so it is not unfair to say that I have a pretty good understanding of God’s Word. There is still A LOT to learn but, I understand the basics. I understand that God created man for Himself and to pour out His great love. I understand that mankind chose and continues to choose its own way over God’s way forming the basis for sin. I understand that the penalty of sin is death. I understand that, although we created the problem, God created the solution for restoring us to a right relationship with Himself. Through the death of Jesus my debt for sin has been paid and I am now a child of God.

Here is what I DON’T understand. Why do I continue to do the things I know are not pleasing to God? Just when I think I have overcome an area of weakness, I find a new one to take its place. I feel so unworthy of God’s gift to me, and actually I am. But because I know He has forgiven me in the past, it seems unimaginable that I should do anything less that what He wants. BUT I DO! And when I do, I am loathe to ask for forgiveness. How dare I disparage the greatness of His mercy by my foolishness? How dare I ask him to forgive me again when I am likely going to make the same mistake again (or at least a similar one)? Am I the only one that deals with this?

My understanding of biblical doctrine tells me that when I mess up I should turn to God, confess my sin, and ask for his pardon. On the other hand, my common sense tells me that I have no right to ask God for his forgiveness, help, or anything else after wiping my feet on what He has already given me. My biblical understanding tells me I need to be with other believers in church. I need to continue to pray and read God’s word. My common sense says I am a hypocrite and there’s no need to pray because God won’t hear me. And there’s no need to read His word, because I obviously can’t obey it. And if I go to church, I will either show my hypocrisy by pretending I am without fault, or everyone there will look at me and know the depth of my sinfulness.

Now I ask all of you, what am I supposed to do? I don’t mean to put you on the spot or scare you away. But part of what I have wanted to do with this blog is deal with what is important in life. This is the most difficult post I have written to date, but I feel it is important. I need answers and I believe there are others that need them too. So please, if you care anything for me and my pain, let me know what I am to do. Am I doomed to continually fail in my walk with God or is there hope yet?

Thank you to all who wish to to respond. And I ask that you all pray for me. I thank you for that as well.

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Are you REALLY saved?

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:16:31 GMT

This video is about an hour long, but it is an hour well spent.

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Erica's Bible Study and Journal: Christian Living

Why Do I Do What I Know I Should Not?

Are you REALLY saved?