ROTTEN THROUGH AND THROUGH

Today's reading: Romans 7-8

"I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't." Romans 7:18 NLT

Brother Paul, I just want you to know how very much I appreciate your candor, your honesty and your truth telling.

Not just in this letter to the Romans, but in all your writings you have done so much for me--and the Church at large.

But I have to tell you, when you talk about being 'rotten through and through', might I humbly say--you don't know what rotten is!

I understand the battle that rages between wanting to and can't. I grasp the warring tensions between sinful nature and a heart and mind that want to serve God completely.

I am fully aware of the vast distance between the grandest of my intentions and the accounting of deeds at the end of my day.

I read verse after verse of your testimony, how you allowed God to use you to reach the masses--to impact the future. I see how your words written decades ago are still used by the Holy Spirit to change hearts and lives. I have memorized good portions of the words you penned through inspiration of the Lord. I study portions of Scripture where you evangelized large groups of people.

I stand in awe of you...and in doing so become utterly convicted of my personal 'rottenness!

You see, I won't cross the street to my neighbor's house. I won't take the stand in the marketplace and proclaim our Lord. I won't tell myself 'no' long enough to say 'yes' to Jesus. I won't deny myself. I won't completely kick 'the old man' out.

You see, Brother Paul, if 'rotten-er' is a word, I would have to apply it to myself.

But, praise God, I still have the desire to be more like my Jesus! I feel the conviction that stirs me from my creature comfort to being one that comforts others. I enjoy the thrill of the Holy Spirit stirring me to do, be, rest in Him.

So, rotten or not, I am taking your words to heart that there is still hope for me!

Thanks, Paul.