“For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:3
October 21, 2022
The Holy Spirit works to bring us along to maturity in the Christian life, conforming us to the image of Christ. As a result, our desires become more set upon God and the things that please Him (Psa. 37:4). In other words, we change. Whereas we wanted to please ourselves, now we want to do what honors God. The effect of this for guidance in the Christian life is transformed thinking (the mind of Christ) gradually becomes ours. Our consciences become biblically informed and sensitive to God’s standards. Our ability to live skillfully is made possible (Jas. 1:5). Our spiritual and moral insight is developed (Phil. 1:9-10). Our ability to express ourselves with appropriate words will be increased (1 Pet. 4:11). Our feelings become more like those of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:8). In all these things rejoice. But be on guard. The Holy Spirit’s ministry can be hindered by disobedient living. When we grieve the Holy Spirit we become increasingly susceptible to self-deception and try to create our own reality by attempting to convince ourselves that certain things are true when they are not. For instance, getting emotionally involved with a non-Christian in a dating and marriage relationship, bad financial decisions, and self-centered living. The apostle Paul rebuked the Christians in the Corinthian church for the jealousy and strife that was characterizing them. In the Old Testament, Jonah as a decision-maker made serious missteps by trying to run from God. His is a story of a breakdown in following God’s guidance. Dear friend, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, watch your step. Don’t surrender increasingly clear-mindedness in decision making by going down the path of bad choices. Rebellion against God and disobedience to Him will blur our perception and cloud our discernment. Cherish the joyful life of following Christ’s commands. Be alert to the missteps that the wisdom of the world can bring. H
A time to pray: “Dear Lord, keep me from sinning against the Spirit by thinking like a nonChristian. Shine the light of your Word on the decisions I am making.”