PERPERTUAL RIGHTEOUSNESS; LEADING A CONTINUALLY RIGHTEOUS LIFE

There are times in a Christian's life when he or she is poised to lead a righteous and holy life. Problems however come about with the maintenance of that zeal. Many Christians lead an on-and off righteous and holy life. Jesus Christ led a perpetually righteous life and never sinned. He said that if we believed in Him, we would be able to do more than what He did. For one to lead a perpetually righteous and holy life, he or she must:

a) Engage continually in spiritual activity; i.e. praying regularly, observing a quiet time, fellowshipping with other believers, etc. Spiritual activity would strengthen one's spirit's communion with the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) and prevent the sinful nature (flesh) from taking over.

b) Rom. 12:2b (KJV) states "but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God". One's spiritual transformation lasts as long as he or she is able to maintain a renewed mind. Before the above stated verse, Rom. 12:2a (KJV) states "and be not conformed to this world". A renewed mind is a mind which is resolute to follow all God's commands and to avoid sin. One's mind is an extension of the person's soul, which entails one's "willpower". An unrenewed mind is easily swayed by the sinful nature. People with unrenewed minds are easily swayed towards doing wrong. One can maintain this renewed mind by frequently meditating on God's Word (especially verses about sin). Also, one can maintain a renewed mind by avoiding activities (conversations, thoughts, etc.) that would draw one's mind towards sin. A Christian should always check him or herself to see if he or she wills to sin or feels like sinning. Such desires show that renewal of mind is being lost.

c) The devil is no respecter of persons. Even after doing all the above, he may still tempt you to sin against God. He tempted Jesus Christ after He had fasted for forty days and nights. It should be noted that the devil cannot force us to sin against God. We sin against God by our own freewill. The devil only gives us ideas as to how to sin against God at a given point in time. He may draw our attention to an opportunity to sin or create an opportunity to sin for us. But as to whether or not we sin is up to us (our freewill). To resist such temptations, we should use God's Word. We shouldn't try to argue with the devil. If we argue with him with our human minds, he'll definitely be able to convince us; as he convinced Eve in the garden.

Finally, it should be our continual prayer that God should always keep us from sinning against Him.