The Holy Spirit Restrains the Sin in Me (James 1:13-14)

Turn the television on or look at the headlines of any major newspaper and the majority of the stories are the same: murder, disasters, wars and rumors of wars. Even the most optimistic person must agree that there is much that is wrong with this world. The Bible has made it clear that this is not the world that God created for us to indwell. God created a world where man would have absolute dominion over nature, living in perfect harmony with all of God’s creation. But man rebelled and decided that his way was better and by doing so, sin entered the world. The result has been thousands of years of pain, suffering, war, hate, and crimes.

But as tragic this world is, it could be a lot worse. It is only through the loving mercy of God, through His Holy Spirit, that we are able to exist. God’s Holy Spirit is at work in this world, restraining sin, not only in me, but in every living person. Although it is almost unfathomable to think this, if God were NOT in the world restraining sin, it is highly unlikely that mankind would even exist. Total anarchy and annihilation would result. In spite of what philosophers may aver, man’s basic nature is not good. We are sinners and are separated from God, our Creator. Thus, if we were totally abandoned by God, our demise is more than assured.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:13-14

This is not the world that God planned for us, but someday, we will live and reign with Jesus Christ, if we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. Trust in Jesus and strive to become more like Him.

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.