Thou we are in the world we are not of the world. That’s a saying I’ve heard for many years. We are reminded of this by Paul in Philippians 3:2 “but our citizenship is in heaven.” And yet our actions and habits are so influenced by this earthly culture, you would think we are of the world.
Which of these two scenarios do you identify with:
- Are you a physical being looking for a spiritual experience?
- Are you a spiritual being looking for your physical assignment?
Many Christians I ask that question to have difficulty responding to it. If our identity remains in the physical, we will not experience the fullness of joy, which God intends for us to have. Continuing to operate as we did before we surrendered our lives to the King of Kings is exactly where our enemy (Lucifer) wants us to be. Unfortunately, many who identify as Christians don’t continue to grow after they commit their life to Jesus. Jesus clarifies this as he describes the meaning of the parable of the sower, “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth of this life choke it, making it unfruitful.” Matthew 13:18-22. Granted that first step of salvation is critical but we are reminded in Philippians 2:12 that we must, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his purpose.”
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. That process of sanctification refers to our growth as followers of Jesus. It’s true that we are saved by grace, it is a gift, but we are called to be holy. “But just as he who called is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15 That pursuit of holiness will only be complete when we are finally in our King’s presence, reflecting His glory. I wish to encourage you to make the time to read your bible consistently. When you do, you will get to know and understand the character of God. I also wish to encourage you to cherish your time of prayer with God. As you do that consistently, your fellowship with God will blossom. In the physical element of our being, we need to exercise and get good nourishment to be healthy. On the spiritual side of that equation, we need to be in the word and pray to be healthy spiritually. Then we will be able to engage in the spiritual assignments or good works that God has for us. “For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
If you have surrendered your life to Jesus, then you are a spiritual being with an assignment. Look around at your family and co-workers, there is your ministry. You are called and qualified, so be fruitful! “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew.13:22.