Hard Topics

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.  – Titus 2:11-12

Self-control is not a normal topic at dinners or gatherings. People who have issues with substances, behaviors, or thoughts that cause chaos and trouble in their lives generally feel shame in their struggles, making them difficult to talk about. Others may pride themselves on being disciplined and find it difficult to admit that they are tempted. The Word of God regularly addresses the hard topics that are common to being human.  

You do not have to minimize the difficulty in doing what pleases God. The apostle Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12). It feels difficult because it is! Paul describes it accurately, “I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin” (Romans 7:22-23). 

You CAN please God in your life, even in the midst of your struggles and failures. Through the power of Christ, “We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, we are no longer enslaved to sin” (Romans 6:6). Today, stake your claim over temptation in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, relying on His Spirit to strengthen and guide you. Pray for governing officials in this country to be honest before God with their lives and to be appropriately straightforward with the people they serve.