I know that God is holy and I know that I am not but how…how
do I live in this chasm between Him and me?
Sometimes I think we make Jesus’ story into a movie or a
novel with interesting characters and great plot twists. And it plays well as
such. He is compelling and the story is fascinating, surprising, heartwarming,
heart wrenching. We can leave the theater saying
THAT was a good story
digest our popcorn and go back to futility.
But how do we live this Christian life? How do we move on
past the acceptance of His sacrifice and live each day as new, changed, fruit
of His labor?
God has explained through the astounding brain and
surrendered heart of Paul that it is a give and take, an exchange, a process by
which we ease from this world of strife to His Kingdom of light.
Us, who walk not
according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:4
Walking. Just walking.
He challenges us to walk in pace with the Spirit. To learn
step by step how to walk each day in this new forgiveness and grace. He knows
that a person who is not conditioned or in shape cannot run and the marathon of
life is beyond comprehension at the onset. But walking, little by little,
building strength, we can do it. You can do it.
You have no good choice really. God says: To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the
Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
Why would we turn away this offer of life and peace? If you
are truly in love with your Father God then you must already know that living
in step with your flesh, your crazy impulsive feelings and reactionary words
never ever brings peace or sustains life. It always results in death: endings,
separation, conflict, and sorrow. His Word says the mind of the flesh is enmity against God.
Enmity:
a feeling of hostility or ill will, as between enemies; antagonism…
deep-rooted hatred.
Why would we ever allow this to happen? How can we let this
God who is love from the beginning of time become our enemy? How can we not bow
in obeisance and joyfully follow
where the Holy Spirit leads?
Tilt your head to catch his Voice whispering to you. Know
the things that have become weapons of war against God your Abba Father. Tear down the fleshy fattened grotesque ideas
and words and habits that have become the foxhole you have suffered in.
Surrender to His gentle guidance. He will teach you how to walk into this
Kingdom with your head held high.
It makes me laugh with pleasure when I think of enormity of
the benefits of walking in His leading, in His Spirit .They are simply:
Life and Peace.
And Family…
you have received a
spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it
is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we
are children of God, and if children, then heirs,
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so
that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:15-17
And because of this adoption: an inheritance.
A promise of a forever love.
Isn’t that what your heart longs for:
the sweet gift of the
growth of life,
the heart soothing voice of peace
and the comfort of family belonging?
I know mine does. Start walking then.
Reference:
The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament
copyright1990
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
New
Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the United States of America.
Well said...and perfectly timed. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad. His Word always blesses. I was swimming in the Greek of this chapter this morning. His plan is so perfect isn't it?
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