Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Getting into Shape
Ever feel like things don't 'fit'? You go through your day to day, but the whole process, though familiar just feels uncomfortable?
This can be especially present just before or after a big spiritual breakthrough. Maybe you recently accepted Christ as Savior and Lord (congrats, btw). Maybe you decided to come off the fence and be dedicated to your calling and to yield to His will. Maybe it finally clicked to let God be God in your life and every man a liar.
Or maybe its just a season of change.
Regardless the motivation, the truth remains the same. We have been predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. Anything less than this is the wrong shape for us.
Those of us who have accepted Christ I dare say deal with this daily. We are told to be in the world, not of it, but we spend alot of time and energy working this walk out. It's hard to move from one shape to the next. Don't think so? Start working out. Our muscles are designed to be strong and flexible, but if we haven't challenged them since gym class in middle school, chances are good that they are going to resist the change. It's hard work to get up and jog or lift weights or do any physical activity when you haven't done it in a while. But, after some diligence and discipline, not only does it become easier, it becomes desired. We still remained immersed in a world of fast food and celebrated leisure, but through some hard work, we can come out of that mindset and help our physical bodies be the shape they were designed to be.
Now, lets think about that in the spiritual. We were designed, destined to be conformed to the image of Christ, but that doesn't happen if we're not working at it. If we spend time with everyone and everything BUT Christ, is it any wonder we get out of spiritual shape? And, just like getting at that spare tire, it takes work to get back in shape.
The difference is the Spirit man within us already desires that we get there, so we literally have someone on the inside working with what we do on the outside.
Today, now, is as good a time as any to start this work out. Deep within you is the desire to be who you are in Christ. The change is complete on the inside. We just need to bring the outside into compliance. Pick up that Bible. Listen during prayer. Get to a good Bible study. Don't just go to church as a ritual, but get involved.
Like wearing a suit that's too small, this world is uncomfortable when we've been saved. It doesn't fit. We have to take on a new look entirely.
You're new fall fashion has arrived. It's blood red but when you put it on, it's white as snow. It's tailor made for you and is available right now. The label is discipleship and its from the house of the Lord. We offer fittings at Fellowship every service.
Wear what fits.
Romans 12:1-2
King James Version (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Peace.
Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.
Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment