I listened to a sermon by Charles Spurgeon on Spotify today. He mentioned a phrase I had never heard before: “Adam in you.” I have heard “Christ in you,” but never this. Apparently he is referring to the fallen nature and our proclivity to sin. I was wondering if we equate Adam with the flesh and Christ with the Holy Spirit, then as Christians, as those who have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are going to invariably become more Christ-like. He won. The Adam in me never had a chance. The battle may rage daily, but the outcome was settled at the cross. I am bound to become Christ-like, and so are you.
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
-1 Corinthians 3:16
This is good news indeed. I used to wonder if the fruit of the Spirit is something I would realize while I was still wrinkle free, but it appears that a desire to empty myself and let Jesus mold, shape, scold, and perfect me will get me there faster. God gave us the easiest gig ever. Just trust, obey, and let Him do the rest.
Sometimes I think about how hard it is to not mess up on any given day. I get up bright eyed and bushy tailed, thanking Jesus before my feet hit the ground. I fall on my knees and pray, promising to be as obedient as I can possibly be. Sometimes this obedience lasts for a fleeting few minutes before the world snaps me out of my reverie. The day ends in repentance and hope for a better tomorrow. It feels like rinse, lather, and repeat.
Upon reflection, this appears to be only because we as Christians do not record the transformation we are undergoing. The changes are subtle, gentle nudges, tugs, and goads until we develop habits and change becomes visible. Some changes pinch and others hurt while our good Lord is sanctifying us. It reminds me of something my father used to say: you have to beat gold to make beautiful jewelry.
“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.”
-1 Corinthians 9:26
I am excited about the beautiful piece of jewelry I am going to become, ready to be glorified. This may not seem easy on days when things are not going right and evil seems prevalent. But it is the truth. We are saved and we will not be left behind. The trip back home may be a little painful sometimes and a little joyful sometimes, but we are guaranteed a way back home. He is with us the entire way. I hope you enjoy the ups and the downs as you journey homeward bound. God bless you.
Dear God,
Thank You for being patient with me and helping me fight a battle every day that often feels like it ends in failure. Please open my eyes to the beautiful transformation You are working on in me, and help me be grateful for Your kindness, forbearance, and love. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.