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I was in a conversation the other day with one of my amazing student leaders and confessed that I had gotten mad at someone’s driving and swore out loud in my car. My student leader was pleasantly surprised to find out that her youth pastor could have possibly made that mistake. I think it’s easy for people to think that because I’m a pastor, that somehow I’ve eradicated sin from my life. I know I do the same with my pastor. But when he shares his struggles with me, it endures me to him, making me feel not so alone in the quest for holy living.

Let’s get this on the table: I struggle with sin in my life. Just the other day, I spoke unkind to my wife because we were not seeing eye to eye on something….I sinned against the most important person in my life and I had to repent for it. I lost my cool with a couple interns and was snappy with them about something that was completely not their fault….had to ask their forgiveness. I preached a sermon a couple weeks ago and a large number of people told me what a great sermon that was. I left thinking, “Wow, I’m pretty good!” Had to repent to God for that one. Took a second glance at a magazine in the Safeway checkout stand, indulged in too much food, ignored my children because of an “important” text, talked on my cell while driving, went a couple days without even cracking my Bible open, took great pleasure envisioning myself telling someone off, took cuts in a line, exaggerated the truth, and the list goes on. Yep….I struggle with sin.

BUT…and it’s a big BUT: Sin does not have control of me. I am a slave to no sin. I’ve gotten angry and sinned in my anger, but Anger is not a stronghold in my life (it used to be). I’ve had lustful thoughts, but lust is not a stronghold in my life (it used to be). This side of heaven, sin will always be something I struggle with, but I praise God today that sin does not own me! In fact, I own sin! (kinda like the LA Lakers owned the Houston Rockets yesterday). Sin in under my control…it does not control me.
“Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.” Romans 6:18

Are you a slave to Sin? Read Romans Chapter 6…Freedom is yours for the taking!

I want to give a shout out to all Moms out there that invest day after day, tear after tear….sweat and blood into their children. You have the hardest job in the world and you deserve honor every single day!

I preached a message a couple weeks ago on Honoring Parents. I gave some practical ideas in which that could be accomplished. One of the ideas I gave was to make a PowerPoint on what you appreciate about your mom. (Most kids in schools these days know how to make PowerPoints). One of my amazing students just told me yesterday she made a PowerPoint for her Mom. This girl’s somewhat rocky relationship with her mother was instantly made better as her mom cried watching the presentation.

Mother’s Day is over, at least on the calendar. But don’t let if be over in your heart and mind. Do or say something everyday to honor Moms! I love you Mom (all three of them) and Amy – you are by far the best mom in the world. I love you!

PJ