Paul had struggles. "I do not do
what I want to do, and I do the things I hate" (Rom. 7: 15).
Ever felt like saying those words?

The mind that is set on the flesh
is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law 
indeed it cannot" (Rom. 8:7 NRSV).

Still disagree? Still think the assessment is too harsh? If so,
accept this challenge. For the next twenty-four hours lead a sinless
life. I'm not asking for a perfect decade or year or even a 
perfect month. Just one perfect day. Can you do it? Can you live without
sin for one day?

No? How about one hour? Could you promise that for the next
sixty minutes you will have only pure thoughts and actions?

-	Still hesitant? Then how about the next five minutes? Five min-
utes of worry-free, anger-free, unselfish living - can you do it?

No? Nor can I.

Then we have a problem: We are sinners, and "the wages of sin
is death" (Rom. 6:23 NIV).

We have a problem: We are not holy, and "anyone whose life is
not holy will never see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).

We have a problem: We are evil, and "evil people are paid with
punishment" (Prov. 10:16).

		What can we do?

Allow the spit of the soldiers to symbolize the filth in our
hearts. And then observe what Jesus does with our filth. 
He carries it to the cross.