The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God  (Galatians 5:19-21).

Well, now–there’s a happy start to your week.

Look, we’re not going to go into details here.  Some of the items on this list are vague, while others are quite specific.  But let’s take a moment to discuss what this list is not.

One, it’s not a comprehensive check-off list.  Don’t look at this and think, “Whew, I don’t see myself here, so I’m good.”  Because, first of all, look closer–you’re on here.  Besides, Paul’s not listing all sin.  He’s giving examples of the fruit produced by a life lived apart from God.  

Two, it’s not a mark of doom.  When you see yourself on this list–and you will–it doesn’t mean that you are not God’s.  Paul doesn’t say, “Those who commit any of these acts will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”  He says,  “Those who live like this…” It’s a lifestyle.  What you see above are the effects, not the causes, of a life without Christ.  

So, Beloved, when you look at this list and it seems all too familiar, return to the Cross, bathe in God’s grace, and remember whose you are and how much you are worth to him.

Then live like it.

Happy Monday, Beloved.