God’s Glory in Us  –  Keep in Step with the Spirit

Is that possible, former procrastinators?  God’s glory in us?  Yes, because we have an utterly amazing God!

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”  (2 Corinthians 3:18.)

God lives in those who trust Jesus as Savior.  As we submit to His Spirit’s work in us, He transforms us bit by bit to be like Jesus.

Changing from procrastinators to diligent women, requires the power of the Holy Spirit. He helps us notice when we choose delay.  He makes us alert to opportunities to choose action (work, play, or rest). He strengthens us to do what we ought rather than what our natural bent prefers.  He helps us hang in for long-term change. He deserves our gratitude for the successful changes we’ve made.

In this process, we sometimes fail.  Some mistakes come from disregarding the Holy Spirit.  Three mistakes especially apply to us and could hold back our transformation:

“You stiff-necked people. Uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 7:51) Here, Stephen addressed his unbelieving accusers.  We believers have hearts and ears that should be sensitive to God’s truth and His voice.  Clinging to old ways resists His change in us.

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)  The Holy Spirit drew us to Jesus and seals our salvation.  He intercedes for us, comforts, and guides us.  Why bring Him sorrow or distress through disobedience?  We may not see the reason He prompts us to prepare dinner early or to turn down an invitation.  But knowing He works on our behalf, we can trust that following His prompt will result in benefit.

“Do not quench the Spirit.”  (I Thessalonians 5:19)  We put out a campfire to stop it from burning. We can put out the Spirit’s fire working in us. When we talk ourselves out of obeying what frightens us, or seems odd or inconvenient, we hold Him back.  The more we do this, the more callous we become toward Him.  We can even show disregard for His work in another person. 

Instead, by His grace, we obey and become more like Jesus, one degree of glory to another.

Is there a way you’re resisting, grieving, or quenching the Spirit during this season?