Saying “yes” to God

Why must I turn from sin again and again? Why is there a constant struggle as Paul describes in Romans 7:14-25? I do not know. The believer has been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus. Even with regeneration and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the old sinful nature is not gone. Its burden haunts the believer. Certainly there is no inability on God’s part to remove in from us, so it must be His sovereign choice to have it remain.

There does seem to be one thing it does though... continuous repentance is continuously saying “yes” to God. It can cause one to say "yes" to God with fervor. With a nature so inclined to sin, “yes” can not just be stated casually one time. No, it would have to be said daily, and with meaning. As Jesus says in Luke 9:23, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me".

Saying "yes" daily teaches me to really mean “yes.” An attachment is formed, a learned love. A hatred grows for the things that are contrary to God's will. A living sacrifice is birthed (Romans 12:1). Every time “yes” is said to God, commitment is strengthened and love for His ways is strengthened. Those ways would be studied and their wisdom admired.

Just as a worshipful relationship could grow, a resentful relationship could grow if while saying "yes" there was still a longing for the things in the world that were being left behind (Hosea 7:14). Resentment would grow and be embraced with fervor. This would lead to a life of turmoil, and a lack of desire for sacrifice or worship.

God calls us to Him. He saves us, a perfect rescue. Then He carefully leaves free will intact so that the choice is always there to worshipfully say yes to Him and leave behind the things that get in the way.

Hosea 14:9 - Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.