Our identity in Christ cannot be separated from His ownership of us. Carnality leads us to think that we can have the blessings of salvation without our obedience to the Savior. This deception has people who say they believe clinging to sinful lifestyles that not only deny their worth but dishonor God. Although we all come to Christ just as we are, Abba Father has no intention of leaving us that way. We are vessels in the hand of a holy, loving Potter who has called us to bear His image. We must push past our flesh to realize that the fruit of our submission to God is more glorious than anything we abandon to follow Him.

Dear Lord,
Whatever you forbid in the lives of your children is done out of perfect love and infinite wisdom. Help us to remember who we are and whose we are when temptations arise. As we lean to the Holy Spirit within, our flesh is crucified to reveal born-again lives that encourage others and bring you glory.

For further study:
1 Peter 2:9
Luke 6:46 / John 14:15
Ephesians 4:1 / 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Isaiah 64:8 
Philippians 3:8
1 Peter 1:16 / Galatians 5:16
Romans 6:6 / Romans 13:14
Romans 8:29