Oswald Chambers reminds Christians that being carnally minded is a sign that we are still living in resistance to the Holy Spirit's sanctification work in our spirit. Habits of quarreling or short tempers, he attributes--as did the apostle Paul--to carnality.
He goes on to say; "If the process of sanctification is continuing in your life, there will be no trace of that kind of spirit remaining."
Overcoming our character flaws is certainly a day by day and often moment by moment battle. Life long patterns of thinking, as well as behaviors, are difficult to put off...in our own strength. Yet, Jesus can grant us the ability to successfully loose the chains that bind us to ugly behaviors.
"Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh," (Galatians 5:16).
How true is the Word of God. For in my own walk, I have seen the power of Christ's presence keep my spirit calm when I would have boiled. Chambers states; "The proof is in a very practical test. You will find yourself saying, "If this had happened before, I would have had the spirit of resentment!"
Likewise, prayers binding my mind to the mind of Christ: that His thoughts would be my thoughts,have helped to transform my mind. My days are no longer consumed with brooding over transgressions. Instead, my mind is more often bent towards higher ground thinking and forgiveness. This reality humbles me and continually prompts praise, or as Chambers claims; "you will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside." Each little victory in my life is a sign of the sanctification taking place within me. Hallelujah!
This feeds my great hope in Jesus, to complete my transformation. I will one day be completely free of the carnal--yuck--that taints the image of Christ in me. Though I see wonderful changes in my character and behavior, I am far from the saint I am called to be. Therefore, my prayers and efforts to exercise the Holy Spirit within me continue. And while I can not produce my own sanctification...I must certainly, "accept the light of truth" in all areas of my life, so that the Lord is free to work his miracle in me,(Chambers).
Chamber's addresses this phase in the Christian life this way; "Never deceive yourself; when carnality is gone you will know it--it is the most real thing you can imagine. And God will see to it that you have a number of opportunities to prove to yourself the miracle of His grace."
Often I find myself facing situations that prick my old nature, and they usually immediately follow my prayers for strength in those ares. Sometimes I realize the refining test in the middle of forming an unrighteous response. More and more, I am realizing the challenge after I have already responded in my new character. The joy which comes after a natural Spirit led response, both encourages and inspires me. Do you not feel elation when you see Christ move through you?
We have all been carnal Christians at some point. Nobody is without flaws! Those who work hardest to make you think otherwise are likely to be the most carnal. The truth is, Christians are not magically purified upon salvation. Yet, carnality is to be addressed with fervor! Attack the areas of your spirit that are in opposition to the Spirit of God: spiritual growth depends on our continual confession of sin and repentance. Ignoring or putting off the battle of our sinful flesh once saved is outside of the will of God... it is carnal behavior according to Chambers.
"A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. but a child of the darkness will say, "Oh, I can explain that." When the light shines and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If, however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness."
Father help us be children of the Light. Grant us the desire to put off sinful behavior and attitudes. For only where the Lord reigns, is there peace,unmeasurable joy and glory to God!
No comments:
Post a Comment