Our family used to come to newport beach every summer and stay at a beach house with my grandparents and cousins until about 3 years ago. This is my immediate family's first trip back and Newport hasn't changed much. There are lots of drunk people and loud music playing all around the pier.
It's amazing to me how easy it is to fall into the temptations of this world and to want to live a life of partying. Sin always looks very enticing and it is arrogant of anyone to say he or she is above temptation. Paul said in his letter to the Roman church, "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18-19) In this passage Paul is not making an excuse for his sin but rather stating a fact about our existence on earth.
It is easy to sin.
And in addition to that, it is not easy to follow God's commandments and live a holy life.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
Last night I got to listen to a group of people sharing the good news of Christ at the pier in the midst of all the partying going on just steps away from them. I could honestly feel the spiritual warfare for many of those people's attention. It is crazy to remember how real and active the forces of evil are in this world and how desperate Satan is to pull people away from the Lord's promises.
Share the good news that we have in Christ with those around you despite the circumstance. There is always room for Christ in your conversations. Be encouraged and know that you are never alone in the situation and that God is cheering you on!
It is so good to be challenged to share the gospel but also to live sacrificially. As a Christian, people watch the way you live so live actively!
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5)
