Struggle Against Sin

Heb. 12:10

For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them,but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.

In our struggle against sin we have not yet shed our own blood. In fact, many times our struggle is not even noticeable. It seems as if we recognize our weaknesses and failures, but act as if they are of no consequence. But Paul goes on further to instruct Christians to value the discipline of the Lord because He chastises those that are sons. Would our casual attitude toward sin bring on the discipline of the Lord? Regardless God is treating us as his children. Our fathers disciplined us and we respected them for it. Should we not value the Lord's chastening so much more. His chastening is for our good so that we may share His holiness. We all want His holiness, but are we willing for the tough decisions that accompany it. 

After Paul showed the need for this chastening, He went on to say the how-to. We should strive for peace with all and for the holiness that brings us closer to the Lord. Strive implies some work and focus.We must obtain the grace of God because it is only in this grace that holiness results. It is the only way to be at peace with one another. After pointing out the need and encouraging us to get and use grace, He pointed out the negative. Our God is a consuming fire. Paul said straight out, do not refuse Him who is speaking. 

But on the positive side, Paul also pointed out the heavenly kingdom. We will one day come to Mt. Zion, to the city of the living God, to innumerable angels, to God, the judge of all, to the assembly of the firstborn, to the spirits of those who have been made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood. It is glorious to behold and to belong to it. This heavenly kingdom will not be shaken. It is the real deal! So instead of sinning and struggling, we need to offer to God our acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. He does not split hairs, what He says and does will be eternal. 

Father,

Thank You for calling me Your child and establishing my eternity with You in Your glorious kingdom. Give me Your grace so that I might strive in my struggle with sin. Help me to keep my focus clearly on You.

In Jesus name,

Amen