Motive. It's a tricky thing to try to manage isn't it? Often we move and act and live without stopping to think about motive. We just do. And perhaps that's the way it should be - in a sense. We just do, trusting that our motives are ... well .... What are our motives?
As we move through the day, as we face different circumstances, walk into different environments, and engage in our business, what are our motives? Because how we act, walk, or engage will be driven by something.
Paul wrote to the Romans that the Spirit of God resides within us. The divine has taken residence in his creation. The divine lives within me and you (for those who call on Christ and are as we say - Christian). God in Spirit full of power resides within me to guide and direct, encourage and support, challenge and convict, hone and perfect, teach and give witness/proof.
**"... But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. ... 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life" because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters,you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature,you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." --Romans 8:6, 10-14 **
Here's the challenge. We must engage. We must engage the divine within us so that we may live. What benefit does a guest in your home bring to your home when they are ignored? How does that guest feel?
When we engage the divine residing within us He brings us to life. We live, full on, God-powered living. In this living we are transformed to his likeness. His motives become our motives and so as we live then this normal everyday life - we do so with God inspired and powered motives.
No we're not perfect; and yes we need to reengage daily; yet when we do we will reflect the image of the divine within us.
So today as you "do life" what is your motive? How will others see this alive with power within you?
Comment and let me know why it's so hard to engage the divine spirit within us?
Aside from being selfish by nature, I would say we are (I am) not sure "how" to engage when we (I) set aside selfish ways.
ReplyDeleteAmen brother Ben! I need to consciously DIE TO SELF daily due to my self-centric nature. I am reminded in Luke 9:23: "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
ReplyDeleteIt's a full-time job dying to selfish desires, every minute, every second of the day!