I wanted to go in a different direction for a post, just because this thought process is something that has been weighing on me and pretty much weighs on almost every Christian I know. I will focus on Romans 7:15, but to get a full understanding of what Paul is writing about, check out the entire book of Romans, the biggest basis for most of the foundations for Christian teachings (second only to Christ). (ROMANS NIV at BibleGateway.com)

Romans 7:15 states, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (NIV)

As a Christian, I feel this way almost every day. I struggle with things in my life that aggravate me. I know, as a Christian, what I should and should not be doing. I know the things in my life that please the Lord and that allow me to nourish my relationship with Him. I understand the consequences for making the wrong choices and giving into the enemy's temptations. Knowing all this, what do I do? Well, just as Paul, what I hate to do.

Being a Christian in today's world is probably one of the most challenging things that you can do. I am not talking about "saying" I am a Christian, going to church now and then, and wearing a cross around your neck. I am talking about a Christian that is never afraid to talk about their faith; a Christian that sets an example in their life for others just by living and, ultimately using words, if necessary (Thanks St. Francis as shared by Pastor Burt). A Christian that is willing to challenge what they know is wrong in the world, but also struggles with the very things that they are challenging in this world.

I guess what I ultimately am trying to say is that Christians are human. We make mistakes like everyone else in this world, but because of our faith in Christ, we are called accountable to our choices and should be held to a higher standard than others that do not know Christ. I liken is to a young child. As my daughter gets older and learns right from wrong, I will have higher and higher expectations of her behavior.

The good thing...if I ask for forgiveness when I fall, I am forgiven each and every time. The Enemy (Satan) wants all of us to fail in our lives. When you become a Christian, he is even more adamant about your failures. He even uses good things in people's lives to tempt them to sin, i.e., he does not have a problem with you and your good looking neighbor going to church. What he wants to happen during this "good" thing is for the good looking neighbor to tempt you (by just being there) to have lustful thoughts and desires to have an affair. He has planted the seed to sin and at that time, we, as Christians, have to make a choice. ( I will stop now because this is a whole other topic.)

Prayer:
Lord, as I walk with you, I know that I struggle and fall. I know that I am weak. I know that when I try to follow You on my own, without your help, I will fail. Lord, always walk with me. Forgive me of my sins so that I can serve you free of guilt. Please do not take your Spirit from me, but let it live fully in me as it guides me to do your will. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name. Amen.