The
fulfilled Christian life is not about religion, joining a church, serving in a
ministry, memorizing Bible verses, getting baptized or hanging out with
Christian people.
These
will all improve our lifestyle and help us to reap more positive rewards during
our lifetime; but they will not reap an eternal home or rewards.
The
venom of sin infects every cell of our being and leads us down paths of earthly
ruin and imminent immortal death. Our sole hope of salvation is to look up to
the cross of Christ (John 3:14).
True
salvation only comes by admitting our sinful condition, repenting of our
disobedient lifestyle and submitting to the Holy Spirit's direction in our
life.
Our
relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit is the key to living a fulfilled
Christian life. Our renewed lifestyle in Christ allows us to avoid the pitfalls
of sin and to enjoy holiness at its best.
Walking
in an intimate relationship with God, we enjoy the help of the Holy Spirit to
adopt the attitudes, character and divine nature of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4;
Romans 12:2).
This
allows us to think, talk and act consistently with the Word of God. We
surrender our goals and dreams to the leading of God's Spirit and walk in
obedience to God's amazing plan for our life (Ephesians 2:10; Genesis 12:1-4).
If
we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of our old nature, which
war against the desires of the Spirit. Instead, we exhibit the fruit of God's
Spirit and experience ultimate life and peace (Galatians 5:15-25, 7:23).
Prayer:
Father
God, You provide the only cure for sin and death through Jesus Christ and His
sacrifice on Calvary's cross. Help us to focus on Jesus, and to be saved. Then
remind us to keep our focus on Jesus, remembering His sacrifice for our sake,
honoring Him with the fruit of our lips and laying down our life for You and
for Your children.
Help
us to seek You for Your direction for our life and then to walk in it. We prove
our love for You by obeying You, keeping Your Word and living in Your Spirit
(John 14:15, 23). Intimately knowing You is what eternal life is all about (John
17:3). Abiding in Your perfect will for us is the happiest place on earth.
Thought
for the Day:
Living
with continual gratitude for the work of Christ on the cross reminds us to hear
and walk in God's Spirit each moment of our day.
