Refusing to Give Sin the Lead
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 6:12 KJV
A strong desire can begin acting like a ruler. Anger demands a harsh reply. Envy insists that another person's happiness must be spoiled. Selfishness tells you that your wish deserves to decide the whole room's plan. The desire may be strong, but it does not have rightful authority.
Romans 6 speaks to believers who belong to Christ. They should not offer their lives to sin as though nothing has changed. The Lord calls them to live under His rule, using their bodies and abilities in obedience to Him.
Take a practical step when temptation becomes clear. Move away from the opportunity to cheat. Put down the device before sending the cruel message. Ask for help with a pattern you are struggling to resist. These actions do not earn salvation; they are ways of responding to God's truth.
You cannot govern another person's heart, but you are responsible for your own choices. Depend upon the Lord and refuse to hand the next decision over to a sinful desire simply because it arrived loudly. Christ deserves the lead in the life that belongs to Him.
Keep the passage in context
Paul instructs believers, who have been united with Christ, not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies. Salvation gives a new relationship to sin and calls for willing obedience to God.
Read further: Romans 6 in the King James Bible.