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In Touch - July 6, 2006

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Thursday July 6, 2006

Sinning After Salvation

1 John 2:1-2

 

How many times have you sinned since you first received Jesus as your personal

Savior? This is an impossible question to answer. The harsh reality is that every single person sins — yes, including Christians.

 

All transgression, before or after salvation, stems from the desire to have our needs met apart from God. Whenever we take matters into our own hands, outside of His will, we are headed down a sad, sinful road.

 

Faith in Christ brings many things — a new relationship with God, a new spirit, a new outlook on life; however, it does not eradicate all traces of our old life. We still have the same body and the same mind, and that can lead us into some of the same difficulties.

 

Why do we still sin after salvation? It is because that same old “programming” directs our thinking in certain patterns, which leads us into trouble. War has been declared in our lives, as the sin nature struggles against the new life brought about by Christ. If we do not make a commitment to retrain our minds, we can expect a lifetime of trouble.

 

Scripture offers the remedy for this ongoing conflict: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). That is to say, we must intentionally fill our minds with the things of God, allowing Him to realign our thoughts.

 

Where are your thoughts taking you today? Are you grounding your thinking in Scripture, or does your thinking simply lead you aimlessly through life? That way leads to sin. Begin now to focus your mind on the Lord.


America at the Crossroads

As we celebrate our freedom this month, let us remember the roots from which our country was established. Dr. Stanley teaches in America at the Crossroads, that while a Christian's ultimate citizenship is in heaven, followers of Christ must help guide our nation back onto a godly course before it's too late. Order your copy here.

 

Summer Renewal Kit

Have you found yourself so busy with life that you are missing the little moments when God would like to meet with you? Let the Summer Renewal Kit help you slow down... You will be surprised how these little moments with God can renew, recharge, and refresh your spirit! Order your Summer Renewal Kit here.

 

Free online resource - Learn & Grow!

You are a unique individual specially designed by God.  Are you enjoying true freedom in Christ?  Log on to www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com and learn how you can live for God while still allowing your personality to shine through.  Dr. Stanley’s free lessons include Your Identity in Christ, Knowing God, and Life in the Spirit.