Sharing our struggles

In our home group study last night we looked at Romans 7. We were told that theologians debate whether Paul was talking about his own struggles with sin or he was illustrating the problems others have. We seemed to agree that even a spiritual giant like Paul knew the wisdom of sharing his own battles rather than letting others put him on a pedestal as if he was so mature that he never faced temptation or fell to it. One thing he said was: 

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. (Romans 7:15–19)

This seems more like a personal confession than a general description of Christian struggle with sin, yet it is both. Paul was not always in a sin battle for he had learned to walk in the Spirit and not give into the flesh, but he also knew the battles and how those experiences helped him serve others. I see this in today’s readings:

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19–23)

How could I serve someone who struggles with sin if I never had any, or if I always gave into it myself? I’d have nothing to say with those stuck in legalism if I’d never ‘been there, done that’ myself. I know that battle between flesh and spirit, my old nature and the Holy Spirit, between my I-wants and the will of God. However, I also realize that many Christians do not discern the difference. When we obey God, it I so easy to say, “I did it” instead of “I can do all things through Christ. . . .” 

A pastor spoke of self-control in simple terms. He said, “Start by keeping your desk clean.” All my life, the easily distracted mind of ADHD has made such a simple thing a difficult battle. I’ve the same issue with remembering to take my pills. Every distraction is a lesson and a reminder to pray about everything and realize my weaknesses are opportunities to experience God’s strength. They also prompt spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer and Bible study. 

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:25–27)

What interferes the most? The idea that I can do it without the help of my Savior. 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12–13)

The big picture of following Jesus is loving Him and loving others. I can be involved in many activities yet these two are where I find myself on the front lines:

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:23–24)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

PRAY: Jesus, today keep my focus on Your glory and the good of others. Simple? You have shown me that this is the biggest challenge, covering all of life and life’s choices, and how often my pride either wants to do it myself, or select instead words and actions that benefit me and bring me glory. May the battle be won by You.