Anyone who lives for God, filled with His Spirit, cannot
live in habitual sin (1
John 3:9). We walk in this world, not as an immoral human being, but as
the embodiment of Christ in us (Colossians 1:27).
In the same manner in which Christ is, so are we in this
world (1 John 4:17). Regardless
of the state of affairs in our life, whether smooth sailing or troubled waters,
we have God’s blessed assurance that everything will work out for our benefit (Romans 8:28).
If we are not living in rebellion or known sin, then we
can live with the guarantee of God's promise that He has a plan and purpose for
every trial and tribulation we experience.
Sometimes, His purpose is nothing more than to isolate us
for a while, so that He can enjoy our company. We simply surrender our
self-will, self-confidence and self-centeredness to God, and exchange it for a
focus on Christ alone.
With our attention on Jesus, we live a full and complete
life (Colossians 2:10).
We decrease, so that Christ in us may increase (John 3:30). As we fellowship with our King
of kings, we gain insight, power, direction and wisdom to face the issues,
which we experience during our day.
As we wait on Him, God directs our paths in the way that
we should go (Proverbs
3:5-6). The glory of the Lord shines out from within us and blesses
those around us (Isaiah
60:1). God’s Spirit fills us with the fullest measure of Christ, for which
our heart longs (Ephesians
4:13).
Jesus redeemed us from the curse of sin and gave us
everlasting life. Sin no longer has a hold on us. There is no enjoyment in sin
for us, and there is no longer any desire to practice sin.
The desire for the world is crucified in us (Galatians 6:14). We
do not crave anything other than all of Him, because God’s Spirit gives us new
desires.
Our human nature is crucified with Christ, and Christ
lives in and through us (Galatians
2:20). Jesus makes our life sweeter and more fulfilling as the days go
by.
Prayer:
Father God, we are so grateful to You that, as authentic
Christians, we have no more attraction to sin. We desire nothing more than to
please You with our whole life. We are crucified to the values of this world,
and we look forward to living in Your eternal Kingdom both now and for
eternity.
Thank You for setting us free from the bondage to sin and
for giving us a new life in Christ Jesus, our Lord (2 Corinthians 5:17). You
give us the blessed assurance that once we surrender our life to You, You give
us intimacy with You both now and for eternity.
Thought for the Day:
The power of Christ in us destroys our desire to live a
life of sin, and He draws us ever closer to the heart of God.
