by David Brenneman
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10.
Life Principle 24: To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us.
Many Christians seem content to live what they think is an adequate Christian life. They believe if they go to church, read their Bibles from time to time, and say their prayers once in a while, they’ll be all right with God. Though they go through the motions of being a “good Christian,” they simply don’t enjoy the power, peace, and joy that should come with the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). Eventually, the counterfeit Christian life they’re living becomes a burden that doesn’t comfort them when the storms of adversity assail.
This was not what you were created for. God doesn’t call you or any believer to a marginal, Christian life characterized by chores and rituals. He desires to have a daily relationship with you where you experience His presence and trust Him for wisdom, courage, and strength in all situations. With every step you take, decision you make, conversation you have, and thought you entertain, the Lord wants to glorify Himself through you. He desires to shine in your life, illuminating your unique talents, traits, and personality as you walk in obedience to Him.
In other words, to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live in and through you. That’s why Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).
So how do you allow Jesus to live in and through you? You do so first by spending time in Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. You not only learn about Him, but you must also listen to Him, because He will teach you how to love Him, live for Him, and walk in His ways.
Second, the most important thing you can ever do is simply obey Him—no matter what He tells you to do. The God who redeems you can teach you how to live for Him. The Savior you trusted for your eternity is more than capable of taking care of all the matters that burden you daily, shining through you brightly so that others can know Him and be saved. Therefore, die to your notions of what the Christian life should be so you can experience true life in Him.
- Life Principle Devotional Dr. Charles Stanley.
It's rather a daily battle sometimes to not lose heart. Whether it's seen outwardly or not tears come at various times and places. This is where my season of life is at. I look down and while my feet feel solid ground I see no earth to confirm.
By the grace of God we find ourselves in a new day.
What most take for granted is that a new day is a gift from God. The good, the bad and the ugly we face is a gift from God. God is at work in the lives of Believers everywhere in every moment. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. What we do, say or think matters.
There are times when indeed another passage is very real to myself and others.
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27.
But prayer ought to never be sporadic. Shouldn't ever only be when we find ourselves in trouble. If that is the only time that you pray my Dear Reader then you are in trouble.
I often prayer the concerns of others. I pray for my most urgent of things on my heart as well. Such as this job searching. In that same vein of thought I pray that I behave as Christ would want me to concerning my now former employer. I know that I was put out under extremely sketchy circumstances. My prayers are for my attitude towards those who did this to be as Christ would have towards them. Those prayers are very often.
I pray concerning the health of myself and my family and friends.
I pray for understanding when I read my Bible studies in the evening.
We who are in Christ are not saved to become conformed to some better version of a human being among men and women that exemplifies and shows great health, wealth and prosperity.
We have specific spiritual gifts to use for the cause of Christ Jesus.
We have lessons to learn to grow in Christ to become conformed to Him.
We aren't to fill our days with self.
We will have a different day before Jesus than those who will in judgment.
What we do for Jesus goes towards a crown of righteousness to give back to Jesus for all He's done for us in this life.
There's no time to really waste in what we have been given to us to be doing. The Apostle Paul likened what we are in as a race to be won.
As an athlete who trains with the purpose of winning. As a soldier who gives their all to the one whom they serve.
Are you giving your all? Have you been, as Dr. Stanley pointed out, half-heartedly living life in Christ?
Are you coasting along in life as a Christ-follower and not at all being the part of the body of Christ that you are?
Are you so self-justified that you don't see that maybe you aren't living the life in Christ that you should be?
So absorbed in your world recognized success that you aren't showing the world a life in Christ?
Paul said to be sure of your salvation. Be sure you are saved. When you are...live it.
There's a great many things that are no longer a part of my life by choice and by the removal of those things by the Spirit of God.
They were keeping me from the righteous life that God desires for me.
Compare tge early Church to today's church. They willingly gave up, sold, donated whatever other Believers needed to be free in the world so that they could be a greater example of a Disciple of Christ. Today's church is too concerned at times that they won't be able to get back whatever they give up.
Is not the God who blessed them in the first place not able to replenish?
We give the only example to the world of a life in Christ. Be it a good example or bad that's on the lives of Believers.
Does Jesus get all of you?
Are you serious about living in Christ or only serious about what you get out of the world yourself?
Obedience to God's Word isn't to be optional. Our opinions on sin are not important if God's Word says something is sin.
You must choose to step into the day to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Whatever He lays on your heart, obey in it. Even if it makes no sense.
You will give an account of your life in Christ before Jesus.
What will be seen?
All New American Standard Bible Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. A corporation not for profit.
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