Over the course of our lives we’ve encountered many litanies of things we can’t do if we’re to be considered a “good” person or walking the path of Christianity. One of the most famous lists, and interestingly not in the Bible, is the “The Seven Deadly Sins:” Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride (a Catholic catechism). Another well-known list comes from Proverbs 16:
“16There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (NIV)
These two lists are quintessential examples of the what we should NOT do. They demonstrate a Christian mindset of restraint and self-denial. They’re about resistance to temptation. The message is put your head down and lean into the brace like a beast of burden. Just push through the temptation. Your will versus the evil desires of human nature. This approach to holiness is often the focus of teaching for new Christians as they begin their journey. Well intended leaders teach the doctrine of self-denial and unwittingly set their charges on a path towards failure. In the end, trying to be good by not doing bad is a losing proposition. There will inevitably be some temptation a person cannot say “no” to. And with this failure comes the question, “Am I really a Christian?” This premise is diametrically opposed to the new covenant between God and man that was laid down through Christ’s sacrifice. Under this promise one can only become Christ-like by displacing their own will and nature with that of Jesus.
So, what is the right message for Christians to facilitate this transformation? What is the strategy to win the battle over our sinful nature? How do we find the freedom from sin promised? We see the framework of a better way in 1 John 2:15-16:
“15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (NIV)
In the passage above we see what a person shouldn’t have in their heart if God lives within them. Though the model of love shown is a stronger foundation to drive our spiritual transformation than self-denial, it is still lacking in simplicity. It is one thing to say that lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life demonstrate a love for the world. It’s quite another to provide a clear alternative. If we can transition from a Christianity based on lists of things not to do and move towards one based on relationship we’ll find a new, more liberating way. The true enabler of victory in our battle against human nature is coming to the realization that Christianity is not about what we do or don’t do, it’s about what we love.
Easiest way to get it It is known cheap viagra for women for improving the outcomes of any other solution modality. Its constantly increasing success rate has enhanced its fame and provided it second position among all available ED medicines. buy vardenafil levitra purchasing that All of our illnesses sample viagra and issues are derived from plants and herbs have been tried and tested in recent years. Some trusted suppliers have legitimate websites through which, you can buy perfect medication for people facing cialis levitra generico multiple sexual problems. Fortunately, the Spirit gave us the key to transforming our nature. It’s found in Mark 12:30-31. Here we’re given the true seed of Christianity. The catalyst that enables a fundamental change in our heart.
“30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (NIV)
In this passage we get the simple solution on how to win the battle against our nature. We find that the basic act of loving God, not the denial of the world’s pleasures is the catalyst for displacing our evil nature with the Spirit of God. It’s the engine that allows us to become Christ-like. It’s also more difficult because it requires a true change in of heart, not just in action. One’s nature must be transformed to displace sin with love. It’s easier, more tangible, more physical, more “real” to not do something when tempted and count it as holiness. It’s more ethereal, more spiritual, not to have the temptation in the first place because your nature has been displaced with the love of the Father. True victory as a Christian comes when a person no longer looks at sin as something they can’t do. But rather they no longer want to sin because their nature has been transformed by their relationship with and love for God.
There’s a reason Jesus gave his two greatest commands in a specific order. Without loving the Lord, you can’t truly love your neighbor. And truly loving your neighbor is the manifestation of your love for God. You can tolerate, pity, cry for, indulge, endure, enable, and even feel compassion for people around you, but you can’t truly love them until you have the heart of the Father. Loving the Lord with all your heart creates capacity to love your neighbor as you yourself.
Once we truly embrace the message contained in the two most important commands given by our Lord we can begin to mature our perspective. We’ll no longer look at Christianity as a life based on what we can’t do. It becomes a life focused on what we want to do, for Him and for our neighbor.