Instruments of righteousness

So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:11-14

What the Apostle Paul was describing from the text was not a word game or positive thinking. He was talking about the reality that exists in the life of every believer. Without Christ in their lives, they are dead and under the power of sin. But when they trusted Him as Lord and Savior they were made alive. To believe in what Christ did in us and through us is liberating for we realize how to appropriate the power within. What He wants from us is to identify with Him in His death on the cross and made alive just like in His resurrection. The logical result of our identification with Christ is a deliberate disregard of sin within. The old self that was characterized by sinful lifestyle was crucified with Christ. We are to offer ourselves including our abilities to be used for His glory. We are to be instruments of His righteousness. We are not to be bystanders but to be active participants offering all we have as His instruments ready to be at His disposal. It is about mastery whether instruments of sin or righteousness. If Christ is our Master then His righteousness should reign within. By constantly relying on His grace flowing through within, we now have the courage and strength to say “No” to worldliness and ungodly passions so we could have self-control and integrity. This is not by exertion of the will but by yielding to the Spirit of God. Do not let yourselves wander aimlessly for He promised that He will provide us a purpose when we surrender our lives to Him. “God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights” (Psalm 18:32-33). He also provided us the “roadmap” of life so we will not go astray. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). We will fail in this life if we will not appropriate the resources He already provided.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com