Won't you agree, we all love a bargain? One of my favorite past times is bargain shopping! It is the thrill of the adventure in doing the research and making sure I get the best bang for my buck! In fact, I am proud to say that this spring I researched and bought my first used vehicle all by myself! The first time my husband saw it was when it was parked in the garage. I am blessed that he has the confidence in me to make such a purchase. Going into dealerships by myself, as a woman, well that is a whole other blog!
It was a great learning and growing experience.
This week, we have been talking about the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. On Monday, we talked about accepting the Spirit in our life. Tuesday, we ventured into being filled with the Spirit and not putting any holds on His impact in our lives. And yesterday, I encouraged you to let your light shine, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today we discover that we have been given the BEST bargain of our lives! We are no longer controlled by sin because we have received it FREE for the taking!
Without God's Holy Spirit, we are not Christians. Without the Spirit we cannot break free from sin's grip on our lives. Since the Holy Spirit broke the chains of our slavery to sin, we now have the power to live without gratifying our sinful desires!
In Galatians 5:16, Paul tells us to "Live freely, animated, and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness."
Doesn't that sound awesome? If we were to give up all of our sinful natures, bad habits, and live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit what would our life look like?
Paul goes onto say, "Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness."
Have you ever dreaded doing something that you committed to and wished you hadn't said yes? However, after you follow through on your commitment you wonder why you ever considered not doing it?
That happens to me ALL THE TIME! In fact, just last night I had committed to a small group discussion at church. My selfish nature kicked in about an 1 hour before I had to leave and the thought of staying home sounded much more appealing. After all, I had a list of things I still had not accomplished for the day. My selfishness was taking over my thoughts and my feelings. However because I had committed I needed to follow through. I prayed that God would change my heart and within just a few minutes of getting to church, I had a renewed sense of passion and excitement. My selfishness or in this case laziness was completely gone! How cool is that?
The free spirit is not compatible with selfishness.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 states, "Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master."
So on those days when your selfish nature wants to kick in, I pray that you seek the Holy Spirit in your life. That you pray that He would rid you from those selfish feelings, that He would give you energy, endurance, and excitement to follow through with your task at hand.
Remember the most powerful bargain of your life is already within you, all you have to do is choose to use it. It is FREE for the taking!
Blessings,
Jill
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