Stand Up!

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall." -ConfuciusSome people have this wrongful notion that to be a Christian means they will suddenly be like Christ, knowing no sin or temptation ever again.Then, when they find themselves uttering hateful words, or involved in ungodly behaviors, they are caught unprepared. Rather than brush the dust off their pants, stand up and repent so they may again walk toward victory, they instead allow themselves to be defeated by continual feelings of guilt, inadequacy, failure and weakness. "Look what I did!" they might say, "If I was a true Christian I would not have fallen."

How untrue this sentiment is because while Christ promises us victory over evil, this does not mean we will never again know adversity, struggle, weakness, or temptation. We are called and encouraged to be perfect, but there is only one perfect being and that is our Heavenly Creator.

During his time on earth Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was tempted by Satan. If the adversary tempted Christ, do you think it impossible for him to likewise attempt to seduce you? Of course he will, and that is why we must not only be prepared to defeat evil with goodness by standing up for what is the good and acceptable will of God, but if, God forbid, we should fall, may we also be wise enough to quickly get up.

If we stand and repent, and continue to look back on our sinful past either with fondness or profound guilt, can we truly say our repentance was sincere and complete? If then, our letting go of sin is genuine, then let us fully let go of what God has washed clean, and live the victorious life He has promised us!

Today, if you are still playing the blame-game, and carrying your past-repented of sins upon you like a heavy ball and chain, now is the time to let fully go and be free from the chains which you, not God, have imposed on yourself. Our Lord is not here to condemn, but to save.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr