..done with sin???? dying to it???? Is that even possible while we are here? wow... that would be a great thing... how to achieve this I wonder... best would be to be able to flick a switch... a miracle... but, what can I say, I doubt it would happen that way...In 1 Peter chapter 4 it says something intriguing:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Intriguing for sure...
Done with sin... no more evil human desires??? I would love to meet someone who can give testimony about this... I am thinking it must be some very old, very sick for a very long time person... for this to work out...
Examining myself , after almost 16 and a half years of walking with Him, choosing to follow Him and by His grace succeeding to be obedient once in a while I am far from anywhere near this goal... not enough suffering, in my body?
It goes on in 1 Peter...
..be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Some steps towards the goal : be clear minded, self controlled,pray, love deeply to cover over a multitude of sins.. don't grumble but serve, extend grace through it and do it by God's strength...
further on..
do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
and finally:
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Here we are... that's how it goes... commit yourself to the Lord and continue to do good...
This is a daily, step by step commitment... to accept suffering and to rely on Him, through praying and serving bringing glory to God....
still sick today... circumstances not changed..some more light shed on my life through His Word... light breaking through Eeyore's cloud... a better look at the Truth.. fixing my eyes on Jesus... thanks be to God for His unending patience and His powerful way of penetrating the darkness... committing myself again... committed for another step along the way.. by His strength...
