THE SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE By Muriel Larson Suppose you could acquire the most complex computer in the world--one that would make you the wisest person who ever lived. It could give you the answers to all of life's problems and meaning. It could make you a beautiful person. It could give you the sweetest disposition. Ask, "What can I do about this problem facing me?" Pressing keys, you would register the particulars--and kazam! Up comes the best resolution for it. This computer could give you warning. Red light flash! "Watch out where you're going!" Just think of the problems it could save you. Are you often as troubled as a roiling sea? Does your desire for peace result in your trying first one thing, then another--some good, some bad--just to satisfy the restlessness in your heart? It could give you hope for the future. Do things look dark at times to you? Would you give anything if you had a sure thing to count on? It could give you joy. You would plug yourself into it--and all at once, you would feel as if you were on top of the world! Yes, it would be far better than drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sex; for the lift they may give is temporary. After it has gone, the hangover and regrets slam in. Not only that, but they may get a grip on your life and soul and lead you into years of enslavement that not only hurt you badly, but others as well. However, the joy this computer would give you would be like the delicate lingering fragrance of lilies. THE BIG HOW-TO Actually, it is a Person who can do all those things and more for you: God the Holy Spirit. To receive Him, a person has to turn in his defective C.P.U. That is what the Bible means when it says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" (Acts 3:19). The Holy Spirit himself urges true sorrow for sins and turning from them. Some people feel His conviction, but push Him away. They have no idea of the wonderful things He can do for them! The Holy Spirit also helps us to understand that God's Son, Jesus Christ, died and shed His blood for our sins (John 3:16). In addition, He makes it personal. This helps us to be sorry for our sins, as we realize how greatly the perfect Son of God suffered for love of us. We are led to accept the fact that God raised Christ from the dead to show His acceptance of that sacrifice on our behalf (Romans 10:9). Now the Holy Spirit urges us to call upon the Lord to save us for Christ's sake. Romans 10:12 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." It will show itself in real character development. It makes a person more like Jesus, our all-wonderful Savior and Master. If not, try Romans 12:1-2. It is a matter of the Holy Spirit totally possessing us, filling us (Ephesians 5:18). This web site can help you be filled with the Spirit: http://www.powertochange.com/growth/wtg3.html Experiencing all the blessings of the Holy Spirit also involves growth. It took a while after we were born before we could walk and talk. Therefore, as we grow in the Lord--by walking with Him, obeying Him, and reading and hearing His Word--we become more and more like Jesus. Moreover, the Holy Spirit is more and more able to lead us in everything we do. In addition, that is how we get the abundant life Jesus Christ promised His disciples (John 10:10). Dwight L. Moody said, "The Spirit of God first imparts love; he next inspires hope, and then gives liberty." |
Copyright © 2006 Muriel Larson. All rights reserved.