Christ In You-Is His Spirit In You
Christ In You- Is His Spirit In You?
Looking Within—How Do We Measure Up? This should be a question and an evaluation of oneself. When I first began to study the Bible more after years of being “so” busy, and let the scripture of Romans 8:9 sink into my innermost thoughts, I knew I had to search within and change some things in my life.
The Bible confirms that we are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit…I knew I needed to be more aware of my actions and hopefully have a character more like Jesus Christ. How? By changing some of my ways of living- habits, thoughts, emotions, and pursuits.
Our actions should be those that reflect our likeness to the image of Jesus Christ our Lord. This can take a lot of work on our part as we often have spur-of-the-moment emotions and life situations that send us into orbit. Yes, we are human, and the Lord has stated in Psalms 103:14 ” For He knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are dust.”
However, this post is to help us keep abreast of our spiritual needs, and that yes, people are watching our behavior. Are our lives reflecting the Spirit of Christ in us? What is different about us that would encourage someone to become more like Christ?
The Fruit of the Spirit
- The Nine Qualities: Galatians 5 22-23
- Love: A deep and abiding affection for God and others.
- Joy: A deep and abiding happiness that comes from knowing God.
- Peace: A state of inner calm and tranquility, even in difficult circumstances.
- Patience: The ability to endure hardship and difficulty with a calm and steadfast spirit.
- Kindness: Showing compassion and gentleness towards others.
- Goodness: Exhibiting moral uprightness and righteousness.
- Faithfulness: Remaining loyal and true to God and others.
- Gentleness: Showing meekness and humility in one’s interactions with others.
- Self-control: The ability to restrain one’s impulses and desires.
From the Word: Scriptures That Resonate
” Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine me oh Lord, and prove me; try my heart and heart.” Psalms 26
When Does His Spirit Come Within Us?
We also must remind ourselves of the scriptures which tell us that the Spirit of the Lord is within us if we have confessed our sins, and become His servants.
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
Once we take to heart what the above scripture is saying, we must keep looking within us to make sure we are in line with what the Spirit of God tells us. I did not think in my early life that I “really” took those words to heart and realized that I needed to shape up and act more like Jesus’s Spirit is in me.
Is it Possible For Us to Change Our Actions to Be More Like Him?
It seems hard sometimes when we are confronted with the very presence of evil, disruption, discomfort, disgust, hardship, and sorrow. We do not mean to let these things in life drag us down, but life is life.
Anger is one emotion that is often hard to control, as well as unnecessary habits that are not easy to break. When we take an assessment of our Spiritual life, we can become more like Him. Scripture: James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”
However, Jesus was tempted like we are, as it says in Hebrews 4:15.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
There is A Process To Help Christians Live By The Bible
We have a way to escape, and that is through prayer, dedication, and more prayer and dedication. Very often, it is hard to look within and grab the words that His spirit tells us. Responses matter in the world we live in today.
Recognizing that, regardless of how close we are to Him, does not keep us from having the trials of life. More than likely we will have more than our share if we are trying to move forward in our spiritual walk. Our adversary, “satan,” is always picking up on our weaknesses.
However, He will protect us and lead us through our temptations, trials, and errors. Yes, errors are a part of life. What do we do when we error? Repent and move forward, and remember we are tempted when we are drawn away by our lust. James 1:14
My mom used to pray, “Lord give me clean hands, a pure heart, and a sound mind.” She was very prayerful, and God answered her prayers.
We must want to be more like Jesus Christ and work on our status with Him. I want to have the Fruit of the Spirit every day. I want to be in a position where if someone asks me to pray, I pray and feel that Jesus has answered my prayer for them.
That is when we are giving of ourselves, taking the time to be aware that we gain more wisdom, faith, courage, discipline, and hope when we take time to help someone else.
In Summary
Looking within to see how we measure up is one way to know that we have no condemnation, and if we do, we can pray over it, get over it, and leave it at the altar forevermore.
A scripture that speaks of condemnation is Romans 2, 1-29 summarized ESV version
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” …
This is not meant to make anyone feel guilty. It is only meant to help us look within ourselves, and not someone else, it will only make us stronger and profitable for God’s will through us, and in us.
We must study our motives, our actions, reactions, our responses, our facial expressions, our emotions, and anything that might be unacceptable if we want to draw closer to Him.
More-
Where Is God, And How Do I Feel His Presence
Christ In Us-How Does He Live In You?
Staying Humble: Scriptures to Guide You
Navigating Emotional Turmoil And Destress In Our World Today
