For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15, NASB)
Over the last several years I have struggled with something I like to call the chip yips. I am not proud of it, but I understand the first step to recovery is admitting it. Whether it is due to physical ailments, seasonal weather, or life’s other demands, it is not uncommon for me to go a couple months between rounds of golf. I may come right out after a hiatus from playing and hit the ball well; however, when it comes to chipping and pitching around the green, my flaws are often quickly exposed.
This has certainly been the case for me this summer, and I am determined to find a cure. My answer is the Cleveland Niblick. It’s like a mix between a chipper and a sand wedge, only I needed a fatter grip to take my hands out of it. What is interesting is that by using this band-aid fix to gain confidence from tight lies, it has taught me a better technique for my other wedges. Now, I just need hours of practice by switching back and forth to groove this new and better way and patience when I chunk or skull one.
As for life in Christ, I find a similarity. It is easy for me to return to my old habits of doing things my way versus the way of Jesus and the kingdom of God. I receive encouragement that this was something the apostle Paul struggled with as well, as indicated in today’s verse. Paul continued by writing “for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want” (Romans 7:18-19).
These two natures are at war within me. As I mature in Christ, I become more aware of this.This is the conflict of our two natures—our old flesh and the new spirit given when we put our faith in Jesus. These two natures are at war within me. As I mature in Christ, I become more aware of this. Many things I do, even things deemed good by many Christians, I realize I am doing my way and on my terms. Sure, there are still the spiritual yips that are obvious and ugly; nonetheless, there are many things that I mask by religion and cultural acceptance. This appears to be what Paul found so “wretched” about himself. He continued to operate at times under the Law, from which he was called away in Christ, just as we are.
“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4). Eternal fruit can only be produced through faith in Jesus. “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29, NLT). God desires for us a rich eternal reward; however, only those things built on the foundation of Jesus will receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:8-14).
My encouragement for you today is to trust the process that the Holy Spirit is working within you. It is the way of Jesus and his kingdom. It may not be natural, but it is truth. It requires patience and trust in the maturing process. Continue in the journey toward completion and remember “there is no condemnation for those [with the yips] who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
—
Josh Nelson
July 17, 2019
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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