As a young child, I attended a small missionary Baptist church. During most of the church services, I wondered why I was present. There were rare times that I connected with the speaker. Thankfully, I have matured and appreciate my mom’s encouragement and guidance in attending Sunday services. However, it’s a shame that as a child, I never accepted the revelation of the Spirit of God to change my life. I recall in my early teens accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior. Attached to my decision was a good emotional feeling and pride for pleasing my mom and grandparents, who regularly attended. I understood that I needed Christ for protection from Hell/Satan, but that was the depth of my understanding (unfortunately, this wouldn’t change until early adulthood). About 3 weeks after becoming a Christian, I was in the guidance counselor’s office for using profanity. My mother was contacted at her place of employment to visit my school due to her son’s behavior. Her look of disappointment dictated what my future would hold upon arrival at home. My father was informed and his upset tone indicated similar fate. After arriving home and receiving my mother’s correction, I knew that I would have to explain this unacceptable behavior to my father. When my dad arrived, we chatted. He was obviously upset and wanted to assure that I understand the importance of not using bad language. In attempt to not receive more ‘correction’, I informed my father that I was trying my best to change since becoming a Christian. Of course, this was to detract from being spanked, but also somewhat true. If only I understood God’s authority inside of me.
Before Jesus physically departed from his disciples, He promised a gift from his Father. This gift was the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God present in every Christian. Jesus stated that at the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would receive power to be witnesses throughout the world (Acts 1:4-8). Inside of every Christian is the ability to overcome every sin. This ability has been provided to us because of God’s grace. We must choose to access the Spirit of God that lives inside of us. It must become a reality that we have authority over every obstacle, as Christ has already defeated the dilemmas you face. The most important part of walking in God’s authority is being a good witness. One can not considered themselves effective in influencing anyone for the kingdom of God, if they are not readily walking in the Spirit; as the verse states, receiving ‘power’ was connected to being a witness.
Many Christians practice behaviors that are un-Christ like announcing Christianity for their own benefit, yet ‘turning their backs’ on the most elementary biblical principles. It’s hypocritical, unfortunate, and plays an integral role (in my opinion) of why Christians lack influence today. Generally speaking, we simply do not access the Spirit that resides within us to consistently overcome sin, encourage others, remain faithful, stay optimistic, and lead a holy lifestyle. ‘I’m a Christian’ should be said in our actions, not words. We are the heirs of a promise. A promise to be ‘…be the head, not the tail’ [leaders not followers] that is of course, if we follow the Lord’s commands (Deuteronomy 28:13).
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I strongly encourage you to examine areas of your life were you are being defeated. These unresolved areas are keeping you from being an effective witness for Christ and withholding blessings due to your disobedience. In the case of Jolinda Wade, she missed the blessings of motherhood to a young child and teenager, due to her disobedience in accessing her God given right through Jesus Christ to overcome an addiction. While attending church, she was convicted of her lifestyle and decided to accept the full blessing of God. After years of drug addiction, drug selling, and slum living, she is, now, an ordained minister and reunited with her family. Jolinda’s case was serious, as she was a drug addict. Drug usage is regarded as a terrible among the worldly and Godly, so it receives more negative attention than most destructive behaviors. Your issue may be more subtle, not noticeable among your peers. However, you know it’s holding you back. You must deal with it, before ‘it’ deals with you, your family, friends, and lifestyle.
If you have not giving your life to Christ, then you are being defeated in the most important battle, eternal salvation v. damnation. You need to give your life to Christ. Accepting Him into your heart as Lord and Savior is first and foremost, the most important decision one can make. Moving forward, you must begin reading the Bible. Learning God’s word will help replace your worldly thoughts with the mind of God. Being obedient to His commands will enact His will in your life and you will access the Holy Spirit to do your assignment. Make this decision, today.
Zechariah 4:6
If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link .
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_with_God.aspx
