Business With Godಮಾದರಿ

I ended the last entry by writing that, ultimately, we need more of Jesus. And this is totally true! We will manifest, possess, and develop more integrity as we become fully integrated with Jesus. 

What qualities help us "unite" with Him, though? What makes room for Him to operate in our lives? How is the Holy Spirit bringing this all about in us?

Well, let's start with the last question. God is bringing us into union with him in two ways. First, He is dealing with what is in the way: our independence. Total union with Him requires this. We must "die" to our old ways of thinking and acting before we can adopt Jesus' way of thinking and acting. We must die to our desire to go our own way. As we do this with Him, our sin-patterns, double-mindedness, and hypocrisy disappear. This requires our willful participation! 

And, second, He is helping us become more like Jesus, totally aligned with the heart of the Father. This second part has to do with our new selves living and growing up into His likeness, and this seems like it'll continue for all eternity. This “maturing” process also requires our participation, is filled with His glory, and makes the first part so worth it.

To make room for Jesus to do this in us, though, requires painful honesty with ourselves. We need growing humility that will listen to the observations of others, willingness to change, and a LOVE of the truth and of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Did you notice that these are all things children are great at? Child-likeness is the fast-track to integrating your life with Jesus. Jesus said we must receive the kingdom like little children and He praised His Father that He had hidden the kingdom from the "wise and intelligent." The wisdom of God is not like the kind we espouse. In fact, the apostle Paul seemed very adverse to our kind of wisdom.

Friends, it's time to go low in our walk with Jesus. The word "humility," literally, comes from the Latin "humilis" (meaning "low") and humus (meaning "ground"). It's a blessed place to live, and there's always room to go lower (which holds even more blessing). 

So, let's walk with Jesus in childlike humility. Let's be, more and more, on the same page with Him in all things. This is true personal transformation. I pray you quickly find the joy, peace, power, and presence of going low.

Here are this week's questions.

1. What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to "die" to? 

2. How is He inviting you to live with Him instead? (What does integrity look like for you right now?)

3. How is He inviting you to be more humble? To go low?