Christians and Sinning.

I was just reading an article where the author said that if we have trouble with sins we should just "reckon ourselves dead to sin" like the Bible says and that would help us stop sinning.

I'm sorry, but I don't believe it. I've never been able to stop doing something wrong without days, and sometimes years, of praying. The Lord has shown me lately that I am losing my temper. I wrote about that earlier. Since then, I've been asking God (before I get mad) to not let me get angry and lose my temper. I've noticed a vast improvement.

God is the only one who can keep us from sinning, and I sometimes think he lets us fall and sin so we will go to him more and more for help. Also, when we sin, we are humbled. We realize we are sinners and need God every moment of every day.

There is a fine line to walk with sinning. We must not become discouraged after sinning because that doesn't help. We must not think we are unworthy of Jesus' love because that is not true. We must not think of giving up because that would be the worst thing to do. Where else can we go but to Jesus? I gave up worrying about my sins long ago. I pray and leave them in Jesus' hands.

Then there is the other side of the problem. We must not think our sins are small sins and they are no big deal. We must not think that because Jesus forgives us every time that we can just go on doing the same things til we die. No, sin is serious, especially if we hurt people in some way.

So, it takes a little mental gymnastics to deal with sin in our lives - yet the remedy is simple. Pray about that sin every day, leave it with God, knowing He will deal with it in his own time and in his own way. I was a heavy drinker for 6 to 8 years (can't remember how long), but I kept on praying for God to take the drinking away. He did. It took a long time, which says more about me than Him: I only know when God took the desire away it was gone for good. The point is: Don't give up! Don't look at yourself and be in despair. God loves you just the way you are.

Another sin I had for years was gambling. I spent way too much money going to bingo halls and casinos. This was money we needed, or money that could have helped people. I wanted to stop but the temptation was so strong.

One day, I was praying and the thought came to me to make a sacred vow to God to stop gambling. I was surprised at the thought, which meant it was probably from God. I studied the Bible on vows and then prayed about it. A few days later I did make the vow and I can't tell you how freeing it is to know I can't go to the casino and bingo because I made a sacred vow. I know it is extreme but for me it was the answer.

When I made the vow, I said to God, "I vow not to gamble in my city or the cities around it and I vow not to gamble online. But I want to be able to gamble when I go on vacation." So, when I went to the U.S. awhile ago I did go in a casino. After an hour I was bored and left. Let me tell you, that has never happened before! I used to stay all day and half the night. But God took the fun of it away and I no longer enjoyed it! What a blessing.