Ephesians 6:12-13
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
John 13:35
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
The Rough Work of Dedication
If we knew that our spiritual walk with Christ was going to be hard and take a long time, would we be quick to take it on or would we avoid God?
Elizabeth Gilbert wrote Eat Pray Love, which exploded into bestseller fame and unexpectedly catapulted her into the spotlight. In her TED Talk, she talked frankly and humbly about creative genius and the work of being a writer.
Holy Like Jesus
“It is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16, ESV). There are two elements of Jesus’ life that are meant to be part of our lives too. That is, we are to be holy and anointed. Some Christians might be intimidated when they hear this. “Sure, I live a moral life and I do my best to be godly — but holy? And anointed? How could that happen with all my failures?”
Having the Mind of Christ
Although we can be free from condemnation, we will never be totally free from mental battles. As Paul points out, this is just the nature of the spiritual world we move in. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Are You Becoming More Like Christ?
Growing in grace means to increase in Christlikeness through the unmerited power of God’s Spirit. Are you relying on the Holy Spirit to make you more like Jesus — in your home, your relationships, your job?