"DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT!"

Romans 7:14-20                  (ESV)
"14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I DO THE VERY THING I HATE.
16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.
17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but SIN THAT DWELLS IN ME.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, but NOT THE ABILITY to carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me."


The Apostle Paul is known as one of the most dedicated followers of JESUS CHRIST ever.  His testimony shows many imprisonments and much hardship.  He also got to speak before Caesar, arguably the most powerful man of his time.  So Paul knew how if felt to be "ABASED" and how to "ABOUND" (Philippians 4:12)!

But, according to Romans 7:18, even though Paul was considered a spiritual giant of his era by most, his opinion of himself was less than stellar.   Paul knew that he did "the very thing" he hated.  Although he had the "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT", he did not have the ability to perform as he should.  Paul was flawed, just like the rest of us!

Paul even said in verse 15 that "I do not understand my own actions"!  And of ver two thousand years later, neither do I currently understand my actions?  Why do I do things that I know are contrary to living as a reflection of JESUS CHRIST?  Why can't I simply surrender to what HE would do were HE living in my body!  

The Apostle Paul wrote in verse 20 what I have to be aware of.  The "sin that dwells within me" causes difficulty in my life that is avoidable.  No, I am not perfect and some of those difficulties I am sure I will learn great lessons from.  But I so look forward to the day when my "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT" controls the actions in my life.  The "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT" should be what we all strive for!