I have pointed out in the previous writing that understanding the truth that God is Sovereign over my life changes how I react to circumstances that come into my life; but, let’s take this one step further. A mere head knowledge of God’s Sovereignty would not be enough to keep me joy filled, peaceful, fearless, nor strong against the storms of life if it were not for an understanding of God’s Grace and Mercy toward me. In fact, head knowledge alone could even lead to a life filled with guilt, sorrow and fear were it not for an in-depth knowledge of the truth of who I am in Christ.
original photo courtesy of Sarah Barba, for more of her photos please visit http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/sarah+barba/all
When I accepted Christ as my Savior, my position changed and I became a new creation “in Christ”. Yet, unless I fully understand the riches of that position, I could still be walking around like a beggar and a pauper spiritually. Understanding who I am in Christ is the key to becoming a Power-Filled Positive Thinker—endowed with the Holy Spirit’s power to be filled to the overflowing with joy, hope, love, peace, and the light of glory regardless of the circumstances that surround me.
Before we begin to look at the characteristics of who we are in Christ; let’s look at Paul the Apostle who is the Master Teacher of Power Filled Positive Thinking and living a life in Christ.
Paul had traveled throughout Asia teaching the gospel of Christ to the Jew and the Gentiles. He at times was received well and at other times no; yet, onward he went to perform the missionary journey that God had commanded him to do. He did so with joy, purpose, love, devotion and optimism because he understood his position as a believer in Christ. He had now heard God’s voice that he was to go to Jerusalem. He knew that it would be most likely his final journey; but, God had said go. So before he would go to Jerusalem, he wanted to return to Ephesus one last time to ascertain their knowledge of the truth. He knew all too well that he would most likely be imprisoned or killed when he arrived into Jerusalem; so, he wanted to check on this church in Ephesus that he had planted before his certain fate in Jerusalem.
Acts 20: 17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.”
Paul was fearless to go forward and do whatever God bid him to do, joyfully. That is not a frivolous, counterfeit joy; but, a deep inner peace and joy which welled up in him allowing him to go to preach at the very place that he would certainly be tortured, imprisoned and later beheaded for his teaching the gospel of Christ. Yet, it was from there that he wrote the letters to the various churches under divine inspiration. Those letters are foundational to our understanding the truth of the gospel and in how to live out this Christian life. Indeed, it is the book of Ephesians- Paul’s letter to the church of Ephesus written from his imprisoned state that gives us the characteristics of who we really are “in Christ”.
What does it mean to be In Christ? How would knowing who we are in Christ change our actions and/or our choices in life? We who are Christians must know that our only hope of glory is Christ abiding in us (Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory). Our only hope is the truth founded in Christ having taken the filthy rags of our sins, covering us with His righteousness so that we might be joint-heirs with Him. Salvation is that, Christ in us; yet, what does it mean for us to abide in Christ and to live out that Christian life for all to see. I wish that I could tell you that from the day Christ came to live in my heart 55 years ago I never failed in this Christian walk. I wish I could tell you that my life has always exemplified Christ in all that I have done or said; but that would be a lie. I can tell you that there has never been a time that God let go of my hand. Ever so gently teaching, transforming, and changing this heart so that I could grasp the truth of His magnificent grace, mercy, and love. Learning to Abide in Christ is pivotal to our Christian walk and to our living out our faith with joy, hope and love. Acts 17: 28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” Living out this Christian walk is that all that we have secured in Christ becoming evident outwardly so that others might see the beauty of Christ and the desirability of His beauty. “Living out” our salvation through knowing who we are in Christ, provides us with all we need to hold fast to the “Joy of our salvation” which is founded upon the faith and hope firmly evident in the face of Christ. This foundational truth the Apostle Paul knew so well, this foundational truth he taught throughout his missionary journeys, this foundational truth he emphasized throughout his letters, and this foundational truth was the life he lived. Paul was the master teacher of Power-filled Positive Thinking and I hope you continue on with me through this journey to a life that is alive with excitement, joy, expectation, hope, love, and fearlessness.
Listen to this song, Oh God, My Joy..Close your eyes and listen to all the words very carefully.
©2014 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.