MY GREATEST FAILURE AS A CHRISTIAN

As I approach my "graduation," my biggest regret is that I failed as the Christian "patriarch" in my own family!  I am very troubled by the life-choices of some of my children, and my grandchildren. While a few are certain they are born again, their lives seem to be totally focused upon their own will instead of the Lord's!  They make decisions that are not in harmony with the will of God as it is expressed in His Word, and even those who do consider His will for their lives, seem to excuse their words and behavior by saying, "nobody's perfect - everyone, even Christians, still sin!"  Rather than try not to sin, they accept it as a way of life, they say that it is totally understood by God - after all, He knew what their lives would be like when He "saved them."

And yet, the Apostle Paul used the phrase "God forbid" fourteen times, in his letters to believers!  In Romans 6:1-2, 14-15 (KJV); he wrote:

"What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  What then?  Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?  God forbid."

Here is what Paul wrote to believers in Ephesians 5:1-11, 15-20 (NLT): 

"Immitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.  Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him.  Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them....So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."