Christianity is not something that we do; it is who we
are. We do not take it off like a cloak and put it back on again. Our walk with
Christ in us is continual - regardless of the people, places or activities
going on in our life.
If our Christianity is transitional and positional, it is
not real; it is merely a phase or a stage on which we act out rules and
regulation and certain behaviors, vernacular and endeavors.
We are never satisfied and we want more and better
worldly goods. We are unthankful, and unappreciative. We take people for
granted and abuse anyone with an opinion contrary to ours. We are
self-absorbed, proud and rebellious to one extent or another.
On the other hand, authentic Christianity is a lifestyle,
which encompasses every facet of our life. It influences our thoughts, feelings
and choices and allows us to abide in Christ and walk according to the
direction of His Spirit (Galatians 5:15-25).
We honor Christ with our life, appreciating everything
that He supplies and does for us. We live in humble adoration of who He is as
our Lord and King as He justifies our spirit, heals our soul and makes us
whole.
We often
confuse the soul and spirit in our thinking and understanding. They have two
distinct functions in life, but both go into eternity with us.
At birth,
the human spirit is dead in the sin that is passed on to us by Adam and Eve
(Colossians 2:13). In death, we condemn our self to hell by our unbelief (John
3:18). Yet, at salvation, Christ rebirths our spirit and gives us His life in
us both on earth and in heaven for eternity (Romans 8:10).
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You that in both heaven and hell, our soul experiences what our body
felt on earth, despite the fact that our mortal body is in the grave (Luke
16:19-31). The soul is our feelings, choices and thoughts. We have no need to
fear anyone who may want to kill our body; because they are never able to kill
our soul or spirit. Our biggest fear should be going into eternity in unbelief
and experiencing hell for eternity (Matthew 10:28; 16:26).
Yet, we
often ignore You, disparage You, mock You and even curse You. Thank You for
forgiving our human pride and rebellion and giving us Your Son to pay the
ransom for our sins, for opening Your arms wide to receive us and for loving us
unconditionally all the days of our life.
Thought
for the Day:
Our union
with Christ is not a result of our works, but a completed work of Jesus' death
on Calvary' cross; the same Holy Spirit that dwelt in Jesus during His life on
earth continues working in the world around us through the life of each
authentic Believer. - Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 4:6
