Verse
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Thought
Paul's ministry was powered by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was the energy that so powerfully worked in Paul. And this Spirit-energy that propelled Paul, led him to work for the same goal in people that the Holy Spirit has for all of us who follow Jesus — to make us fully mature in Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). Can anything be clearer? God's will for us is to be conformed, transformed, and matured into the presence of Jesus Christ. This is our mission in the lives of others. This is the mission of the Holy Spirit in us. While there are many mysteries about how the Holy Spirit works and what all the Spirit does, there is one thing for certain. The goal of the Spirit is at work within us. Let's commit to be part of this divine partnership, both in our own lives and in the lives of others!
Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for the Holy Spirit's presence within me. I openly submit my heart to have it formed and shaped to reflect the heart of Jesus. I want the character and compassion of my Lord to come to life in me. I want my life to be used as your influence on others, empowered by the Holy Spirit to help them come to maturity in Jesus. I choose, dear Father, to dance with the Spirit and let the Spirit lead me in this mission to see Jesus formed in me and in those you have chosen for my life to influence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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