Life can be really hard and extremely difficult. We can get discouraged, stressed, frustrated, doubtful, angry, bitter, prideful, resentful, unloving, divisive, hateful, etc. We can go on and on with the many vices and sins that plague mankind. The root problem of every heart issue are the sins inside all of us affecting both our soul and body (Mark 7:20-23).
We don’t know where to run or where to go when these pains set in and grip us. We suffocate under guilt, shame and pain when we see evil face to face or experience the worse conditions in life. We try to fix our problems by being better versions of ourselves, which is impossible to do (Romans 8:8, Hebrews 11:6). Ever since the fall of mankind, human beings have sought many schemes to deal with sin. As we journey through this world chasing after the wind or keeping ourselves preoccupied with purposes that are temporal. We can even spend time distracted by the world or be too focused on our adversary the devil. We are able to overcome the world by our faith and Satan is a defeated foe under the feet of Christ. The biggest issue is our sinful flesh. That’s where we are responsible for the choices we make and are held accountable to God. We can’t blame anyone or Satan for our sins (James 1:13-14, James 4:1-2).
It’s not until God’s grace draws is in repentance and faith in Christ with a broken spirit that we can cry for help in prayer to the One who can comfort, heal, sustain, protect, care, love and change our hearts. The heart of Christ is towards sinners and sufferers. Our Creator knows us better than we know ourselves. We must put our faith and trust in Him. Only in Christ by the power of His Spirit, we can overcome the flesh and bear good fruit while walking in victory.
So, the real problem and issue is not outside of us, but inside all of our deceptive hearts. When we look to Christ and see Him as all together lovely, beautiful and perfect, we recognize how much we all need Him to live a life that is pleasing to Him. That’s where we find true lasting and eternal fulfillment. Christ Jesus is truly our Wonderful Counselor, Great Physician, Eternal King, Lord and Savior.
When we submit to what the Word of God says about putting off sin and putting on Christ in humility, we find the true remedy for the believer to live victoriously over sin through the power of the Spirit of Christ. We can grow in grace and maturity through sanctification and become more like Jesus Christ. Be encouraged and know that whoever comes to Christ will never be cast out (John 6:37).
“And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, lewdness, an evil eye, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” – Mark 7:20-23
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? – Jeremiah 17:9
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:22-25
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” 38 This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:36-40
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” – Romans 8:5”