“Nobody’s perfect.” We’ve all heard it a hundred times. Yet sometimes our choices can be so irrational that we find ourselves asking, “why did I do that?” We know we’re not perfect, but sometimes it seems like all we can do is make more mistakes! Well, there’s a reason for that, and when we understand it, doing the right thing becomes a little bit easier.

It’s called “Original Sin,” and we were all born with it. It means that as humans, we are naturally inclined to misbehave; it’s in our nature! Scripture teaches us that we are “by nature children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3 NKJV) meaning that we are programmed to sin from day one. It’s the reason why we are seemingly never able to live the way we should, and why we so often find ourselves asking, “what was I thinking?”

King David probably asked himself that question after an innocent man was killed because of David’s own selfish motives in 2 Samuel 11. David gave in to his sinful nature and desires even though they were completely irrational. He messed up in a major way, but look at the way he entreats God in Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV):

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

David knew that it’s because of God that we have hope and help in this life. He didn’t try to minimize his sin, but owned up to it and submitted to God.

Remember: Jesus died on the cross for you so that your sins may be forgiven. With God’s help, we are able to make good choices and thrive with our new identities in Christ. Not only is God able to help us avoid sin in our lives, he is capable of giving us entirely new natures! So whenever you find yourself tempted, not only with avoiding future mistakes but facing the ones you made in your past, just remember that you have a new nature in Christ!

Live Big!

Dr. Derek Grier

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