Romans 8 (Part 2/3)

What is the difference between lukewarm people and fully devoted followers of Christ? It's a mindset. When you submit to Christ, you are no longer controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit. You can't have both. Paul says that sinful nature equals death, while the Spirit equals life and peace.


I grew up in a church that preached grace more than truth. We learned that God saved us by sending Jesus, we accept Him in our hearts, and we are forgiven so that one day we can go to Heaven. Well that's good stuff and all, but (in my opinion) grace is not a one-way street.


By accepting God's grace, that should lead us to changes in our old behavior. Verse 12 says that we have an obligation to live according to the Spirit. But unfortunately, there are many who believe they can receive grace yet continue living according to their own selfish desires. Paul says that those who are led by the Spirit are sons and daughters of God. It's says led. Are you allowing the Spirit to lead you? To guide and direct your path? Have you truly surrendered your life over to Christ or are you holding some back? The Spirit works like a GPS system. It was a gift from Jesus when He left the earth. But you have to activate it, keep it charged, and plug in a destination in order for it to work. Sadly, many are driving through life with their GPS thrown in the glovebox. It's there as a comfort, but they are not utilizing the device at all.

There's a song by Kenny Chesney that irritates me. It says, "Everybody want to go to heaven, but nobody want to go now." However, the whole creation has been groaning. What does that mean? The Bible compares it to a woman in labor. Creation is waiting to be redeemed. As true believers and followers, we should be eagerly awaiting the day when we receive new bodies. The day when Christ, the hope of glory, returns to make us co-heirs with Him.

But if you're living like the rest of the world, maybe you're not ready to go. My hope for you is that you're not ready to go yet, because you realize there is so much more work left to do.

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." ~Jesus