Power part 5
What we have been given is what we have to give. We have NOT been given a spirit of fear. A spirit of doubt, and a lack of self-confidence. That's not what we have. That's not who we are. We HAVE been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. We HAVE been given the gift of God, which is eternal life, which is knowing the Father in the context of being His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. We HAVE been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. We don't need anything else. And that means we can stop chasing. Kind of what having a sound mind is all about. We can stop trying to be someone we're not, and we can embrace who we are. We can BE who we are. We can be transformed (into what we've already been transformed into) by the renewing of our mind. By letting the mind of Christ (that's already in us) BE in us. Do you see a theme with the word "be"? When it comes to Spiritual things, what we have is who we are. Because we have love. We are loved. And that means we ARE love! Love is what we do, because love is what we be. And the difference between the two spirits--the one we DON'T have and the one we DO have--is that the spirit of fear keeps you from operating in love. But there is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear. Because perfect love knows where it (HE) comes from. Perfect love knows what it (HE) is all about. And what love is all about, who love is, is giving. Laying your life down for your friends. And if that sounds like a powerful thing... it is. Its the most powerful thing there is. Its a miracle. Loving someone is literally a miracle. It'll change their world. Even if it seems small. Sometimes the small things are the big things. The important things. Having someone's back. Being there for them when no one else is. Man... if you think you're all alone, and then you find out that you're not... you talk about powerful. But you have to HAVE power in order to DO something powerful. The spirit of power. Knowing that we are seated at the right hand of the Father. The power seat. Knowing that we are connected to the unlimited supply of love. That means that no matter how much love you give, you can't run out. That means you can love fearlessly. That's HOW perfect love drives out fear. There is nothing to fear when you are wrapped up in the loving arms of your heavenly Father. The whole armor of God? That's God protecting you. A Father protecting His Son. And, listen, that doesn't mean you won't go through things. That means you are strong enough to go through things. No matter what you get into, you don't have to let things get into you. You can weather the storm. You can plant yourself on the Rock and know that you will not be shaken. I think one of the most powerful things you can do is stand. Be still and know that HE is God. Know that the love inside you is enough. Know that YOU are enough. You don't have to be someone you're not. You can be yourself. Who you are in Christ. Which is who Christ is in you. The love inside coming out. Naturally. As you fill yourself to overflowing with what you've already been filled with. Power. Love. A Sound Mind. Not just what you have. Who you are. Jesus. God in the flesh. Love in a body. God in your flesh. Love in your body. Coming out with every act of love and kindness that you commit!