A question crossed my mind early one morning. For every man and woman who claims Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, there is a day appointed to enter the "pearly gates" after being called home. At that moment we all, with unveiled face, behold as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. What kind of culture shock will we experience? I can hardly imagine it. That certainly relates directly to our present journey in the "flesh".
Consider that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5,6) Have you ever wondered why this is? It's because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so. Every Christian battles with the flesh. Overcoming this battle requires a conscience decision to live a life different than what is "expected" from the (wacked out) culture consuming our present age. The process involves NOT conforming to the pattern of this world, but to instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind, conforming your mind to his will. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Take heart for this is a life long journey which can only be fulfilled when we arrive at our final destination, at home with The Lord. Practically speaking, life is tedious and unpredictable. Jesus Himself told us so: "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you shall have distress. But have confidence. I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) In my own walk with The Lord I have purposed to not let other people negatively influence my journey in becoming conformed to His image. It is all to easy to be led astray, distracted by this and that, held hostage to emotions you cannot control. Fortunately there remains an eternal hope and that is this: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38)
Encouragement from my heart to yours,
Jim
Thank you for the encouragement Jim. From the time we accept Christ as our Master, we receive the mind of Christ. We do not wait for this. In the parable of the seed and the sower, the soil is the Word of God, or the mind of Christ. 1Cor2:15. If we absorb the Word of God, the seed (Jesus) has fallen in good soil. But if we do not tend the soil, the weeds choke it out. If we always tend the garden, the seed will grow to full maturity.
Thanks for the encouraging words!