Lent Devotional - Day 16

Read John 8:31-59.

Jesus makes it clear that in the end we will be judged by our actions because our actions clearly reveal our true beliefs. No matter what our intentions are, our actions are ultimately rooted in our hearts.

Jesus tells it plainly that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Later on Paul will echo Jesus’ teaching when he calls on believers to not be a slave to sin, but rather a slave to righteousness. We can appeal to our religious heritage, and even hide behind our religious duties and actions, but what we have to understand is that God sees our hearts. We can say all the right things and even do seemingly good things, however Jesus is looking for those that love him and know him.

Again if we want to love Jesus, we must obey his commands. So who are you related to? Who’s your daddy? What do your daily practices reveal about the true nature of your heart and what you really believe? Who’s desires are you carrying out?

Too many Christians have agreed with the devil that sin is just something we are just going to struggle with, the rest of our lives. Yet Jesus tells us that we have been set free and Jesus calls us to be overcomers. We are to deny ourselves, carry our crosses and daily follow him.

On our own strength and with our own wisdom we can never overcome sin, however with Jesus all things are possible. Jesus overcame sin and death, and calls us to do the same through his spirit and righteousness.