From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

We are often hampered in our decisions, our feelings, and our responses to the everyday trials of life on this planet. This hindering is because of sin. We don’t like to admit that. I am not saying the trial is because of sin; I am saying the hindering to our joy, our wisdom, and to a more proper response to trials, is almost always wrapped in sin.

Our reactions to each other, our mates, our children, our co-workers are not patient, not kind; we tend to brag and be arrogant. We hold into account a wrong suffered; we rejoice in our own unrighteousness, we do not endure all things. We often think as a child, reason as a child and continue in childish ways. We are selfish, self-centered and stubborn, often wallowing in self-pity. Not a pretty sight!

How are we still alive and not crushed in the hands of an angry God! Praise God for His mercy.  But let us not think that His mercy is an excuse to sin, may it never be! His mercy holds us in His favor until we can learn, change and start having the fruit of the Spirit manifest instead of our broken nature.

Check your actions and reactions. Do they measure up to the standard of action and reaction that the Lord requires? Meditate on these things. Let’s not be boastful and challenging each other. But let the fruit of the Spirit reign supreme. There is no law of man or God that is against love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Let’s strive harder to have these as the basis of our behavior and help each other as we struggle to meet the measure of God. Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

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