Topic: The Foundation of Spirituality [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 5 August 2021
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The Foundation of Spirituality
Philippians 3:3 (NLT, LB), Galatians 2:20a (NLT)For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. *For it isn’t the cutting of our bodies that makes us children of God; it is worshiping him with our spirits. That is the only true “circumcision.” We Christians glory in what Christ Jesus has done for us and realize that we are helpless to save ourselves. *My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
Being spiritual is not about going to church, engaging in religious activities, acting in a pious way or being spooky, superstitious or suspicious of everything and everyone around you. Being spiritual is about being conscious that you are in Christ and the reality that you are one with Christ. Being spiritual is about refusing to judge yourself and others by anything we are in the flesh but by who we are in Christ (2Cor.5:16-17). Your oneness with Christ should be the driving force for every area of your life. Spiritual growth is reflected by your progression in the direction of Christ. Spiritual maturity is the extent to which your life aligns with the life of Christ.
Now, the foundation of spirituality is putting all your faith and confidence in Christ and not in your human efforts or ability. On your own, you cannot be like Christ. The only way Christ can live in you and through you is when you are dead. You died with Christ on the cross. You are dead and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is now your life (Col.3:3-4).
Get rid of every confidence and hope you have in your strength or ability. Stop trying to be anything. Accept who God has made you because of what Christ has done for you and rest in the finished work of Christ. Rejoice in Christ. This is how we worship God in the Spirit- we surrender to Him by thanking Him and receiving all He has done for us in Christ. This does not in any way mean that we don’t have to do anything. What it means is that we allow everything we do to be a response or outflow that is based on what Christ has done for us. Let your life be saturated with the revelation of all Christ has done for you.
Prayer:Heavenly Father, I surrender to you and I receive all you have done for me in Christ. My absolute faith and confidence are in Christ alone.
Bible in One Year Reading Plan Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 20:22-23
