SPIRIT-FILLED BELIEVERS
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
“Grrr!” Ten year old Jeremy growled at the ice-covered snow he was trying to shovel. He lifted the ice pick handle with both hands and slammed it down as hard as he could. He heard the ice crack. He breathed out, wiping his brow before sweeping away the snow.
This same procedure took Jeremy two hours. He had discarded his parka. Wearing only a sweatshirt covering a t-shirt, he was still drenched with sweat. He was determined to clean the whole length of the sidewalk his dad had assigned for him to earn some money.
Jeremy’s mom watched him struggle from the back door. She sighed as she pulled the hot chocolate from the stove burner. If only she could help her son grow into adult hood without trails, she would do so in an instant.
Moms and dads are like that. They want to help their kids through difficult times. But that’s not always best. Everyone needs to work through tough times themselves. Because life tests us when things aren’t going our way.
There are two differences that separate Spirit-filled Christians from other believers and nonbelievers. Spirit-filled Christians are not controlled by their situations. And the other thing is how they quickly repent after sinning. Spirit-filled believers don’t freak out when stressed. They remain spiritually joyful and at peace when life disappoints.
Anyone can be happy and pleasant when everything’s going well. But how do people’s attitudes change in difficult times? Do they yell and scream? Do they swear? Do they become violent?
Spirit-filled believers learn: 1) Love when we want to hate, 2) Be kind when accused, 3) Respond gently when others are cruel, and 4) Maintain self-control. Of course, even Spirit-filled believers still have “self” within us.
But believers rely on the trump card: “He who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
Take Home Nugget
Even when Spirit-filled believers sin, they respond to the Spirit’s prompting fast and repent. We recognize His authority in our lives.
Jeremy swept the last of the snow off the sidewalk. He breathed out a big sigh as he watched mom him carry hot chocolate—on a clean sidewalk. He smiled at her. “Great job, son!” she praised.
“Thanks, Mom.” Jeremy said. “But I’m glad you didn’t hear what I muttered under my breath!”
“That’s between you and God!” Mom said.
Help me to be self-controlled, Holy Spirit. Show Yourself to be in control of my life.
J.D. Griffith
Written for http://www.Biblestudyforkids.
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