Christ - Our Life, Part 2

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

Christ is our life not only when we are consumed with His agenda but also when His indwelling Spirit reigns within us. Every day, every circumstance, every challenge, every encounter is an opportunity for the believer either to experience the life of Christ or to express his own will, emotions, and options apart from the Holy Spirit’s wisdom or influence.

The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to bring glory to God by accurately reflecting the ways and character of God. The degree to which we yield to His control is the extend to which we experience Christ as our life. When Christ is our life, the Holy Spirit works through our individual bents and personalities to bring about God’s purpose and conform us to His image.

For example, on your job you overhear a friend speaking critically of your work. You are wounded and offended. Later in the day you encounter the person in the break room. You are alone. Anger heaves within, but understanding that forgiveness is the only biblical response, you politely engage in conversation. Perhaps you even pray for that person concerning a special, pressing need. At that very point of obedience - as you yield to the Spirit’s direction - you experience the supernatural life of Christ.

“...be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18