Today's Scripture
2 Corinthians 7:1-4; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
“… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, having these promises…” I claim God’s promises for my life and look to their fulfillment, and rightly so, but that shows only the human perspective on them. God’s perspective is that through His promises, I will come to recognize His claim of ownership on me. For example, do I realize that my “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” or am I condoning a habit in my body which clearly could not withstand the light of God on it? (1 Corinthians 6:19). God formed His Son in me through sanctification, setting me apart from sin and making me holy in His sight (see Galatians 4:19). But I must begin to transform my natural life into spiritual life by obedience to Him. God instructs us even in the most minor details of life. And when He brings you conviction of sin, do not “confer with flesh and blood,” but cleanse yourself from it at once (Galatians 1:16). Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk. Remember, we are His message; listen and walk in the power of overcoming.
I must cleanse myself from all filthiness in my flesh and my spirit until both are in harmony with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I mentally rebellious and defiant to listening and trusting His lead? Am I allowing the mind of Christ to be formed in me? (see Philippians 2:5). Christ never spoke of His right to Himself but always maintained an inner vigilance to submit His will continually to His Father’s Will. I also have the responsibility to keep my will in agreement with His Will. And when I do, Jesus gradually lifts me to the level where He lived—a level of perfect submission to His Father’s Will—where I pay no attention to anything else. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Do I have an ear to hear what His Spirit is saying? Is God having His way with me, and are people beginning to see God in my life more and more?
Be serious in your commitment to God and set aside everything else. Literally put God first in your life.
Today's Prayer
Jesus, help us to take responsibility for submitting our will to Your Will. Lift us to the level where we can live in perfect submission, just as You demonstrated in Your flesh, so wholly surrendered that nothing could distract or deter You. Give us the ear we need to hear You when You speak. We pray that others can see Your Life lived in and through us as we put You first in our lives.