Romans 7:15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns]. (AMP)

I am using the amplified version of the bible here because I think it renders the clearest translation of a difficult truth.

Nancy Reagan introduced us to “Just say no.” No one talks about that anymore, it didn’t work. People who do not have a drug habit think it is so simple to stop. They have no clue as to the depth of the struggle. People who are addicted do not revel in it, they loathe themselves.

We all are weak and we all need help. The ones who have no sin are the ones in the most danger of all. They are guilty of pride of life, they say there is no God and they do not need one. They do not see pride as a sin.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Paul’s painful confession of the difficulties of living with sin are completed in Romans 7 with identifying our help. Thank God for Jesus Christ. Jesus came to save us and He sent the Holy Spirit to help us. Chapter 7 is followed with sound advice in chapter 8. Listen to our counsellor.

Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Philippians 3:20a For our conversation is in heaven;

Remember the days of the transistor radio? You had to dial in the station. There were no pre-sets. Man invented the radio transmitter and receiver. Over time vast improvements in quality of instruments have been made. Now we have satellite radios where we are never out of range and never have to change stations.

Our conversations with God are in the spirit. We did not invent the transmitter or the receiver, we have no way to improve on the product. God is perfect. The Holy Spirit is perfect. We are flawed. We send out a transmission in the form of prayer and wait to receive an answer. We look to the situation for which we pray for an answer.

This method of fine tuning does not work because it has no way of calibrating the will of God. Worldly eyes and worldly ears cannot answer spiritual questions. We have gotten so used to operating in this fashion that we end up tossing up our prayers and letting the cards fall where they may.

If God wants to use you to be a vessel fit for use in a world needing to see God, do you really think that method will work?

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

“Lead me” requires receiving instruction in the spirit. Given that I am an imperfect receiver, how can I improve reception? Same as you would if you didn’t understand a radio or television which you bought. Read the user’s manual over and over again until you understand it fully. That is fine tuning.