“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! ‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”‘
(Luke 15:11-19)
A spiritual battle is raging for control of our minds because the way we think determines how we will behave. If we want to conquer our sinful tendencies, we must learn to see ourselves as God does?a new creation who is no longer under sin’s mastery. Because of the presence of Christ’s Spirit, we have the capacity to be “more than conquerors” regardless of our previous sins. (Romans 8:37)
We also need to recognize the Enemy’s lies that tell us we are weak and will fail again. Then we are to fight back with God’s truth that declares Christ’s Spirit is greater than Satan. (1 John 4:4). We are to focus our minds on spiritual things (Philippians 4:8) so we will learn to distinguish between what fits us as believers and what does not. Finally, we must choose what is suitable (Matthew 5:3-11) and reject what is ungodly. (Galatians 5:19-21) The longer we are Spirit-led, the more sensitive we will become to His warnings about temptation, and the greater will be our strength to win the battle for our thought life.
The Spirit-filled life starts with the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who receive Christ as Savior. It becomes a reality as we place ourselves under the Spirit’s control. It is best lived out by using the divine power He releases into our lives. It also requires diligence on our part to resist temptation and maintain our surrendered state.
This Christmas season, give yourself a gift. Trade in your “independent mind,” and experience the victories God gives to those who are Spirit-filled.
About the Author
This article was written by Charles Stanley. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/charles-stanley/
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