When we come to Christ for salvation, His Spirit within us begins sanctifying us of our penchant to sin. We gradually die to self and to sin, until our singular focus in life is to do God's will for us in our home, vocation, church life, hobbies, the use of our talents, etc. (Romans 6:11).
He develops in us a heavenly mindset by crucifying our old nature with Christ on Calvary's cross, and then by providing us with His resurrection life in every area of our existence (Romans 6:5-7; Galatians 2:20). He frees us from slavery to sin (Romans 6:16), and makes us a bond-servant to Jesus (Romans 1:1).
We view our self, not as a sinner, but as one who is dead to sin, and alive to God. The Holy Spirit heals our soul, and breaks the habitual stronghold sin formerly held over us. By the cross of Christ, we are victors even over those areas that still tempt us from time to time (Luke 14:27; Hebrews 12:1).
Freedom from sin, does not guarantee that we will walk in perfection or maintain a heavenly mindset. Sometimes, we fall back into pursuing our own desires, goals and dreams; however, this causes us to spin our wheels and to live in continual frustration.
If we realize that the cross of Christ crucified for us the draw this world has over us (Galatians 6:14); and if we live for Christ instead, we find a peace that transcends any reward we could ever gain from seeking our own pursuits (1 John 2:15).
Once living as obedient followers of the ruler of this world (1 John 3:10), we now, through the grace of God, are free from Satan and sin. We seek holiness and Godliness in our every thought, word and action (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:15, 3:1-2).
Prayer:
Father God, we need Your help in order to choose to die to sin through Christ, and to enjoy our life hidden in You with Him. Remind us that life is not about worldly possessions or preeminence, but about dying to self and living for You (Philippians 1:21). In this world, we will experience tribulation and trials, but Christ in us already overcame every one of them for us.
Teach us meekness so we may inherit a place in Your Kingdom on this earth, and allow patience to have her perfecting work in us (Matthew 5:5; James 1:4-8). We are safe in You, never again fearing what this world or anyone or anything in it may say about us or do to us (John 10:27-29; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 4:4).
Thought for the Day:
We are hidden with Christ in God, enjoying His protection, provision, and productivity for His Kingdom; this fact floods our soul with peace and increases our willingness to serve God in any place or capacity to which He calls us.
