In our walk with God, sometimes we forget things that we used to know so well. In all the business of ministry, expectations, our own and others, we can often lose the basics, even the foundations of our faith. While trying to do good and do our best, we forget to listen to Holy Spirit and find out what He wants.
My boy, this term at school and kids church, has been learning all about the fruits of the Spirit. I love chatting with him all about it, and remembering some things that I'd lost.
Our Christianity is ultimately about becoming more Christ-like. Am I trying to become a better mother, a better wife, a better servant, a better leader, a better friend? What is the image that I'm trying to live up to to become those things? Is it one created in my mind, by my own experiences, desires, fears and pride? And when will I know if I have achieved it? What is my measure of success? For me, thats pressure that I don't need to be putting upon myself. Its an idea that's basically founded on others and how I appear to them. How could I ever know what they expect? And could I ever meet their expectations?
But if instead, my aim is to become more like Christ. Then I will naturally become a better wife, mother, servant, leader, friend. Christ is the best example to follow - the only pure image of God in man.
Am I measuring myself against others, and against my own ideas of how I should be? Or am I measuring myself against Christ, am I living for Him or others?
Now the question of how to become Christ-like is one I like. I could imitate Him. Try to be like Him, do what He does, or what I think He would expect me to do.
But no matter how hard I try, I can't be perfect like Him. Again, more expectations that I can't live up to.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our councilor and our guide. If we only ask the Father for the Holy Spirit He will give Him to us. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness - what is that everything? Its Holy Spirit. If instead of trying our best, controlling our behaviour, we allow Holy Spirit to dwell in us, to immerse us, to overtake us, we will be filled with life, with hope, with the wonderful fruits of the Spirit.
We are a people of the Spirit. As we keep in step with Holy Spirit, He empowers us to live like Christ, to love like Christ. In any situation, if He is in control, then our response will be godly and like Christ's.
I desire to know Holy Spirit more and to keep in step with Him.
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