A New Nature

21) but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22) Stay away from every kind of evil. 23) Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.  1Thess. 5: 21-23 (NLT)


When we trust Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. That is the moment of salvation, when we become a new creation. Yet until life in these earthly bodies ceases, there will continue to be a war between the old and new patterns of behavior.

To lead us to victory, the Lord may allow difficulty that brings about brokenness. His purpose is to rid us of our old “flesh” (a way of thinking/doing that is opposed to God's way) so that we can experience fullness of life in Christ.

Let’s examine this flesh. The following are indications that the sinful self still thrives: self-advancement, self-centeredness, self-will, self-dependency, and self-righteousness. These motives exist in all people to some extent, but over time our heavenly Father lovingly breaks them in His children ( those who trust in Christ).

At salvation, God gives us His nature, the evidence of which is fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22). These qualities allow us to love and be loved. And people will be attracted to Jesus when they sense these characteristics in believers. On the other hand, if these attributes are missing, we can never truly experience life as God intended. The process of brokenness and restoration is unpleasant. But the end result is well worth the suffering that it requires.

What rules your actions, choices, and thoughts? Are they primarily influenced by the Holy Spirit or by your flesh? It takes courage to look at your heart and notice its true condition. Ask God to work in your life so that His Spirit can reign freely in your heart.
 
(via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
 
Dawn