Righteous
living is the fruit of a heart set on living in holiness before God (Matthew
5:6). Our spirit vitally needs holiness for our fulfillment. An authentic
Believer shrinks from carnal behavior, which our soul - our mind, will and
emotions - often pursues.
If
we foolishly attempt to perfect our self, we are counterproductive (Galatians
3:1-3). We live a legalistic, carnal, unnurturing, critical and condemning
life, which keeps us in the constant state of shame and disappointment.
However,
through God's work of regeneration through salvation, and His sanctification
process, His Spirit conforms our soul into the purity and the divinity of
Christ Jesus, our Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 5:8).
God's
light within us shines out into the world (Matthew 5:16; 1 John 1:7). Through
His mercy and grace we perform the works of God, which He planned specifically
for us before we were even born (Ephesians 2:10).
We
walk in the Spirit and no longer fulfill the lusts of our flesh, the world or
the devil (Galatians 5:15-25; 1 John 2:1). We serve the Lord with gladness and
we run and are not weary (Psalm 100:2; Isaiah 40:31).
We
are zealous for the priorities which God places in our heart and there is no
rival for our affections between earthly and spiritual ideals and activities.
Christ is our whole life (Colossians 3:3-4).
God
heals us and brings unity with His Spirit and among our body, soul and spirit (3
John 1:2). We live in wholeness, and lose the fragmented feeling that robs us
of our peace and joy.
Prayer:
Father
God, Your grace in our spirit perfects our soul until we walk in Your Son's
righteousness that He exchanged for our sin on Calvary's cross. We still have
the same personality, but Your Spirit transforms the negative aspects with Your
fruit.
We
throw all of our cares on Your capable shoulders and yoke up with You so that
You can help us to carry our burdens in life. We trust You with our health,
wealth and spiritual success in this life, including our relationships with
family, friends, co-workers, church family, neighbors and associates. You are
worthy of all of our trust and praise.
Thought
for the Day:
Holiness
is not only achievable, it is also the normal state of existence for the
authentic Christian; we simply die daily to the seeds of sin that take root in
our heart and pluck them up before they can grow into a plant, flower and then bear
fruit.
