Are there are occasions following politics where you forget that as a Christian, you are in , but not of the world (John 15:18-19)? This is especially important to recall during this Christmas season where we celebrate the miraculous birth of Christ.
Like our Lord and Savior , Jesus, We are sojourners in this temporal world . Yet because of Jesus’ virgin birth, life, and later His death and resurrection , our minds and spirits are also fixed on eternity (Colossians 3:2).
Do we have concerns about the present and all the worries that come from witnessing lies, evil and tyranny? You bet we do.
However, as children of God these concerns do not overwhelm or bring fear into our hearts for very long. For Jesus’ coming to the world gave us life abundantly( John 10:10). He did so by setting us free from the snares of sin and secondarily, this fallen world .
In Him, and through His love, we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), set apart to do good works for God’s will and purposes (Ephesians 2:10). The old nature, fixed only on temporal lusts and temptations, is dead and what Christ has resurrected, stands.
Jesus is truly the reason for the season, the Christ -Mas(s). Let’s give praise and thanks to Him for transforming us from wicked sinners, worthy of death, to God-fearing men and women seeking His heart and will for our lives. This is truth.
God’s truth feeds and strengthens us, while His purpose guides our paths. What can man do to us (Psalm 118:6) ? For God uses every trial and tribulation for the Christian’s greater good (Romans 8:28).
This means blessing in every way, shape, and form. God’s sovereign plan for our lives means even what is meant for evil against us is turned into good (Genesis 50:20).
No weapon forged against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17) because we are in , but not of the world. Our home is a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21), living forever with the Father and the Son.
The Creator of the heavens and earth , is the master craftsman, preparing those who love His Son, for eternity. For God is making us more like Jesus which each day that passes. Truly, He who has began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Tasked also in this effort is the Holy Spirit , who counsels and intercedes for us constantly. Even when all we have is groans , the Spirit speaks to God on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).
The Spirit speaks powerfully to us through God’s Word and conversely the Word’s power is only made manifest to us through the Holy Spirit. Only when both are prevalent in our daily walk will we truly be able to stand fast in God, no matter the circumstances.
When the Christian has both of these engines firing, the Word and the Spirit, l0ok out! Through God’s mighty power, you will be able to accomplish what was formerly unthinkable in your former sinful and dead nature.
Don’t you realize God is calling you? He has given each one of us unique spiritual gifts ( Ephesians 4:7-16) to carry out “missions” tailored for these talents.
This is not for us to puff out our chests in pride (Romans 12:3-8); knowing this should humble us. God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:11-16), therefore , do not become conceited and certainly, do not elevate men, even pastors and presidents as better or smarter than you.
Do you know God’s calling on your life, or are you floundering? Ask through diligent prayer and study, for that is our communication with our eternal Heavenly Father.
And speaking of prayers how do you pray to your Father? Do rote, memorized supplications comprise your communication or do you seek Him with raw, vulnerable petitions?
Obviously God hears all of our prayers , but He desires intimacy with us. Our Heavenly Father wants us to love Him with all of heart, soul, mind and strength (Matt.22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10;27).
God already knows our every thought and feeling before we pray, for He is omniscient and omnipresent. He just wants us to get it.
Intimacy requires vulnerability and humility, which are considered weakness in the world. However, both are strengths in God’s eyes because it is in those traits we truly experience His power.
This Christmas , let us remember God’s loving gift to mankind, His only begotten Son, Jesus. Let us also never forget that because of Christ, we are in, but not of the world.
