This is one of those topics which all of God's Sheep struggle with at some time in their lives: SIN. The reason for this is because all his sheep know they have sin, but don't want it because it hinders them in the race God has set forth in their lives. The above passage of scripture deal with sin in the life of the believer. The whole chapter is talking about laying aside sin and the result of failing to do so. It is truly grievous when God has to chastise us, but it always for our good and others.

The other day my children came home with some test papers that they had failed. Do I have to say this did not make me very happy! The thing that really upset me was that I know them and I know that they can do better than that. What I said to them was that they were not trying hard enough. I asked them if were they listening in class or day dreaming. As with most children they often times would rather play than work.

If you were to read the whole chapter of Hebrews 12 it sounds like the conversation with my children. God knows his children and knows that have been set free from sin, that they should not obey it, but even, He, realizes that it takes hard work to overcome sin. After all, He overcame all sin, but not without a lot of sweat and blood. I think most of my problem, when I fail one of God's test, is that I did not try hard enough. Some where in my pea brain, I think sin should be easy to overcome for a saint. But then God reminds me that this a WAR against the flesh and no war is easy.

This is an exhortation to the children of God to try a little harder, for we have not yet striven unto blood fighting sin. Don't let our biggest sin be we weren't trying.

Pastor Owen