LIMITED OPTIONS . . .
We know that God and Satan are both spirit in nature and that each rules a spirit realm. However, the fullness of joy and the abundant life that we were created for are only available in the Kingdom of God, and abiding in Christ is the only way to access them.
To “abide” means to remain or stay somewhere, in this case in one of the two spirit realms. Our mind plays a big part in that, and the power and culture of the realm it is drawing from influences every aspect of our being.
FIRST, THE DARK SIDE
Can you sense how we “abide” in the spirit of the world when we waste hours on its sensual and otherwise ungodly and worthless TV shows and movies? And listen to and fret over its news of Satan-inspired local, national and international events and politics? And take in its commercials which promote desire for more/bigger/faster?
Consider what that does to your thought life, desires, emotions, contentment, blood pressure and need for comfort food. How does it affect your fears and overall sense of well-being? How does it affect the aroma of Jesus’ Presence in you? Is there anything “spirit” about it?
WHAT COMES NEXT?
What comes next when a demon-inspired thought pops into your head – – something absolutely vile, or possibly only (supposedly) a little-sidetrack from holiness? It came from Satan to draw you into his spirit realm so his darkness can flow into your soul. (mind, will, emotions)
And what about when you dwell upon negative or vengeful thoughts at night? Or rehash the pain of an injustice, maybe even in your long-ago childhood? That gets real, doesn’t it? Isn’t there a spirit quality there that sucks the Life (and the sleep) right out of you as you abide in the spirit realm they come from?
Is it only your body’s need for food or is something bigger going on when you are “working on your weight” but join friends at a sumptuous buffet and your eyes begin to dance and your passions become inflamed with desire? And what happens if you abide in sexual thoughts and imaginations, especially if enhanced by visual resources? Doesn’t that literally take you somewhere?
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” I Peter 2:11 niv
“Abiding” is for real. Next, a couple of posts on the life-giving side of abiding. I like it much better!
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
July 7, 2021
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