I would wager self-rule is the main sin that erodes our path and keeps us from finding GOD’s way. Our self-reliance can be called, “the idol of our heart.” Our idol is ourselves. It is a most common sin.

When we read Scripture or quotes from SPIRIT-led individuals and the words do not change our hearts, the roadblock is usually this sin. When words in this blog are just words on the page delinquent of any energy to move us, the idol of ruling ourselves is most likely the culprit.

“…if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever” (Rom 8:13 AMP).

“The gospel is so foolish (according to my natural wisdom), so scandalous (according to my conscience), and so incredible (according to my timid heart), that it is a daily battle to believe the full scope of it as I should” Milton Vincent (ref#60, p14).

This is why we need to pray for ourselves—to help us battle our natural nature that still has our selfish interests in mind. It is our responsibility to mature in holiness—to allow the renewed life GOD has fashioned in us to be worked out in our conduct (Eph 4:23-24).

“We are to ‘Strive…for… holiness…to…‘abstain from immorality’…‘…cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit…’make every effort’ to grow in character traits that accord with godliness…We are continually to build up patterns and habits of holiness…” Wayne Grudem (ref#63, p755).

“There is simply no other way to compete with the forebodings of my conscience, the condemnings of my heart, and the lies of the world and the Devil than to overwhelm such things with daily rehearsings of the gospel” Milton Vincent (ref#60, p14).