I must not confuse awareness with liberty.

Can we persevere? Can we forgive? Can we believe in Him? The answer would be, “Triple yes!” Here’s another question: Do we have to persevere, forgive, or believe in Him? Now the answer would be a definite, “No.” Then why or when should we do any of them? Unfortunately, many times we do, “Only when it is convenient.”

As children our natural tendency was acceptance of something we had no tainted feelings or perspectives around. Examples include getting up repeatedly in attempts to walk no matter how many times we fell and being friendly without feeling distrusting. As we grew older, experiences and events affected, even changed our outlook. Then we became aware of alternatives to our behaviors and beliefs. As teenagers we became more aware of our external and internal world. As adults we became more aware of our freedoms. But just because we are more learned means we should not, say get up repeatedly when we fall, or should, say hold on to unforgiveness.

Enter discipline, restraint, and trust. With discipline we choose to even when we do not want or feel to. With restraint we choose to or not to even though we have the power to. With trust we choose to believe in Him, in God’s sovereignty, to orchestrate for our good.

Surely, none of these are achievable all the time. But let us purpose to use our newfound awareness for good – good awareness – even when we feel the pull to do the contrary.

15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.

(NASB, Romans 7:15-20)