Once we walk with God for any amount of time, the spiritual
life is more familiar and natural to us, than the ungodly, sinful lifestyle we
lived before we were Born Again. We are uncomfortable around sin now. Watching,
listening to and speaking sinful words or concepts are no longer entertaining.
The Spirit of God within us is grieved over what grieves God’s heart. Our
self-life is no longer supreme, and the will of God transforms any goals or
desires we used to entertain.
Satan wants us to believe that we are helpless victims of
the flesh, the world and his demons; however, with every temptation, God gives
us a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we draw near to God and
resist the devil, he has to flee from us (James 4:7). The more
we mature spiritually, the less Satan finds in us to tempt us (John
14:30). Christ truly reigns as the master over our life. God’s
divine nature now dictates our thoughts, words and deeds (2 Peter
1:4).
As God renews our mind, we move from one level of glory to
another (2 Corinthians 3:18). We are holy, as God is holy,
through the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10,14,19). We live
a holy life because of our intense love for the Lord and His Kingdom. Holiness
is our new nature and we despise whatever grieves God. We no longer exhibit the
works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21); but instead, the fruit of the
Spirit shines from both our spirit and soul (Galatians 5:22-23).
This is not to say that we refrain from serving or
socializing with the “publicans and sinners”; but we no longer imitate their
behavior. We love them with the heart and mind of Christ. Our carnal nature is
dead (1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 2:5; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3). We no
longer entertain sinful desires. We realize once and for all time that we are
free indeed (John 8:36). What used to tempt us no longer
has any value to us. Our only desire is to please our Heavenly Father.
Prayer:
Father God, we may have certain sinful habits that linger
over the years of Your regenerating work within us, but there is no way that
they can persist as we walk by Your Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25). Our yoke
is easy and our burden is light, because they come from You (Matthew
11:30). We relate to life, people and government on a daily basis,
but we allow Your Spirit to give us wisdom and direction on the best way to
influence our sphere of society.
Thought for the Day:
Jesus is not ashamed to call us His family. - Hebrews 2:11
