The Last Bastion of Rebellion
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NIV)
Set in my ways? Stubborn? Independent? Who, me? You must be referring to someone else.
In our humanness, we are all of those—and more. It is difficult to conceptualize that we were created in His image and made a little lower than the angels, and He crowned us with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
We tend to want things our own way, but we also want life and peace. It is impossible to have both unless we are aligned with God’s will. When I display my stubborn side, I am a lone ranger, and the ride doesn’t end well. There are a million and one excuses why I want it, how I can get it, and what to do with it when I obtain it. What is ‘it’? My will, of course!
Being created in His image is a big shoe to fill. Some days it fits well. Other days we don’t even want to try it on. The battle is a tough uphill journey, yet He gives us strength to climb.
Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) has a great message for us. Just sit and ponder her words.
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Let Me control your mind. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked all by granting you freedom to think for yourself. This is godlike privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots. I made you in My image, precariously close to deity.
Though My blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion. Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My Light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace.
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What comes to mind when the word rebellion is read? Is it fighting, guns, grenades, or hand-to-hand combat? Maybe rebellion can also mean silence. When we proclaim a loving relationship with Jesus but turn our backs on the hurting, lost, or forgotten souls; is that not also rebellion?
Just askin’!
Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Teach us to let go of our own selfish ways and embrace Your will. AMEN.