Power-filled Positive Thinking—Chapter 4C- 6 steps to Victorious Joy
Thus far in this chapter I have told you that one of the major, power-filled positions that is yours and mine “In Christ” is that in Christ we are already declared Saints. Yet, we both know that our lives often do not reflect that truth. Indeed, I am certain that the harder I try to fight to prove my “righteousness” the more defeated I will become. So, how do I change that God given position into a visible reality? What are the steps to living a joyous Victorious Christian life which will bring God the Glory?
Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, “You become what you think about all day long.” Buddha is also quoted as saying “The mind is everything, you become what you think.” That is the major principle of all positive thinking philosophy. It is very powerful and very true as long as it is based in reality; example, I cannot become 7 foot tall by just thinking myself so. Still there is great power in what we focus our thoughts upon. The Bible taught that very truth long before Emerson, Buddha, or the modern positive thinking philosophers did. (Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 6:21, Philippians 4:8, Matthew 12:35).
Paul knew the importance of every believer being grounded in the truth of the gospel. He knew that Christ had won the victory for each believer and that without them knowing this in the central core of their being, no Christian’s testimony could survive or stand. No Christian can fully live grounded in their faith unless they understand the truth that in Christ they have been declared saints and are saints—fully clothed in righteousness before the throne of God the Father because of the atoning, finished work of Christ on the Cross.
This is not a “hallelujah” then I shall live like the devil until I get to heaven; quite the opposite, this is (if you really know Christ as your Savior) God is going to complete the work of sanctification in you whatever it takes. Although if your heart does not desire with all its being to be righteous, then I might wonder whether you ever came to a saving knowledge of Christ. Note the key word there as desire, not fulfillment. Which is what brings us back to as a Christian what do I do to transform my state in Christ to a reality. Once more before I begin to tell you the steps that you can take let me remind you of these 4 truths.
1. Accept that in Christ, I am righteous; because of His finished work at the cross. Romans 3:21-26
2. Remember that my position in Christ was purchased, secured, and for ever held by the power of God. It is not dependent upon my ability to perform this on my own strength. The Holy Spirit indwells me—meaning it is God’s power in me that has sealed me for redemption from the moment I first believed and throughout eternity. Ephesians 1:13
3. God will finish the work of sanctification for every person who has accepted Christ as their Savior—for everyone in Christ. Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1-2
4. We are not alone—the Holy Spirit indwells the heart of every believer. John 14:16-17
Based upon these truths, let me now give you the steps to being able to live a life reflecting the truth that you are a righteous saint.
1. Focus upon Christ and His work—we become like those whom we most love and most admire. When you focus upon Christ, His Glorious Beauty and righteousness—you will be transformed into that image (2 Corinthians 3:17)
2. Believe the promises of God—to believe them you must know them—so study His word.
3. Cast aside all that guilt and shame from yesterday—repent and rise up to a new day.
4. When Satan, your own mind, or others try to harass you with shame, guilt or fear—point them to the cross of Christ.
5. Pray—there is no greater power than this to calm your soul than to spend time alone with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with so much comfort, love, hope and joy.
6. Every morning jump out of bed and declare “Because of Christ’s finished work, I am a victorious Saint and today I am going to live like it.
I would like to conclude this chapter with this quote from Jonathan Edwards.
“Men have a great deal of pleasure in human knowledge, in studies of natural things; but this is nothing to that joy which arises from divine light shining into the soul. This spiritual light is the dawning of the light of glory in the heart. There is nothing so powerful as this to support persons in affliction, and to give the mind peace and brightness in this stormy and dark world. This knowledge will wean from the world, and raise the inclination to heavenly things. It will turn the heart to God as the fountain of good, and to choose him for the only portion. This light, and this only, will bring the soul to a saving close with Christ. It conforms the heart to the gospel, mortifies its enmity and opposition against the scheme of salvation therein revealed: it causes the heart to embrace the joyful tidings, and entirely to adhere to, and acquiesce in the revelation of Christ as our Savior.” ― Jonathan Edwards ( A Divine and Supernatural LIGHT, Immediately imparted to the Soul by the SPIRIT of GOD, Shown to be both a Scriptural, and Rational Doctrine- in a Sermon)
Listen to Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.