Living in the Spirit
June 23, 2017
Scripture Reading: Romans 6:1b-11
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. –Romans 6:5-11
Some of us have more “old self” to deal with than others, some because of the passage of time, and some from excessive misuse of time. At my six-month dental check, the dentist noted to the hygienist that my teeth showed a lot of wear. He wasn’t talking to me, but I responded, “They’ve had a lot of years of use.” I did not mean to embarrass the young dentist, but he tried to soothe over any thought that he was suggesting I was old. His concern wasn’t necessary; I am comfortable with my age, and I do try to take good care of my teeth, but they have had a lot of use.
If we could examine our souls, we most likely would see wear, some more than others. The healing of the soul through the love of God and the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ restores our wholeness to a new life. God continues to nourish our souls in our continuing relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Maintaining any relationship requires a commitment on both sides. Bad habits of life are hard to erase. Good habits are often hard to initiate. Being intentional about letting go of those “old self” characteristics and taking on the way of Christ will help.
Prayer: Lord, nurture our souls as we grow in our faith and our relationship with you. Amen.