12/23/2021
We praise, and worship the Lord in church, and pray in our secret places, but what do we do with the remainder of our lives? Do we lead two separate existences? Do we have a spiritual life on the one hand, and a carnal one on the other? Do we walk out of the sanctuary, close the door, and then without another thought, begin to live like citizens of the world? In the life of the apostle Paul we are given a glimpse of how we should live one spiritual life at all times. He offers his life as an example for us. It was a life modeled after Jesus… holy, righteous, and blameless for all to see.
“You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”
1 Thessalonians 2:10 ESV
There are two thing that become obvious to the believer; the first is that the lure of living like those in the world is strong, and the second, which takes a while to realize, is that by practicing a life of righteousness, it becomes easier each day to present ourselves as Christ did, and Paul did. The longer Jesus abides in us, and we in Him, the easier it becomes to be a child of God, and behave like His family.
“For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ESV
I am always amazed by elderly people who have been married for a long time. They seem to know each other’s thoughts, walk with the same stride, exhibit the same mannerisms, and in short, fit together comfortably like a hand in a glove. Sometimes they can’t see this in themselves, and might even argue that it isn’t true, because their transformation has occurred subtly over years of living their lives together. However it is obvious to those who see them walking, talking, and living out their lives. This is what Paul is telling the Thessalonians. He says that He will teach them, like a father, how they should live. He makes the same point to the Galatians too…
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
Galatians 4:6-7 ESV
We talk about having a body, and a spirit, as if they aren’t meant to know one another, that they are to be kept separate, but that isn’t so. What is true is that in the years they spend linked, one to the other, one of these will become our dominate life force, and master the other, until at last there is but one that sets the pace for us. Just like the Spirit of God’s Son who has been sent to live in our hearts will either rise in us to become first, and rule over us, or will be pushed down as our worldly selves take charge… as our carnal nature seizes absolute control.
““No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Matthew 6:24 ESV
So what do people see when they look at us? Do they see us walking as a man, or as Jesus, the Son of God? Have we been made righteous through our familiarity with Him? Have we been taught to walk as God our Father, so that when others witness our lives, and begin to learn how to walk as we do, that their stride will be like God’s too? Are we leading them into holiness, or teaching them to walk easily back into the world? In other words… are we of the spirit, or of the world? Let’s look at how we live today.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
Galatians 5:16-17 ESV
Prayer:
Thank you Father for your Son Jesus Christ who you sent to teach us, by His life, how to walk stride for stride with Him so that we can easily walk and talk with you in the gardens of Heaven. Thank you Lord for teaching us to be your children, meant to be righteous, and not to remain as adopted children, but to love and be loved as your family; true sons and daughters in every way… heirs and joint heirs… equal in your house to our brother Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who desires us to be like you, walk like you, and reflect your image for all to see. Praised be your name for every one of your mannerisms we learn, and make our own. You are a merciful Father who loves us, and forgives us, as you reshape us, and make us pleasing to you. Your grace abounds as you lead us in Christ to stand before you. Cleanse us in His blood Father, and help us to be more like Him every day… bringing glory to you in all we do. Let your every desire become our greatest goal in life, and may we bring glory to your name in all we do. Find us worthy in judgement, and seat us at your table forevermore… your sons and daughters complete, perfect, and holy in every way.
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:24-25 ESV
Rich Forbes