As we all desire and commit to living a life of biblical integrity in 2019, we want to show and encourage ourselves how that is possible in our daily life.
Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians churches describes our new life as freedom in Christ thus: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again to a yoke of slavery (to sinful lifestyle). Rather, we should serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:1, 13). What this means is that we should pattern our daily life with intentional and help of the Holy Spirit in such a way that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus, our Savior and Master. This is because we have been freed and delivered from the domain of Satan’s control pleasing the flesh to new life of freedom that leads to a lifestyle of righteousness under the lordship of Jesus Christ. This is freedom rooted in God’s truth and delight. Paul goes later to affirm that this kind of life-style controlled by the Holy Spirit will continually produce the fruit that reflects the presence of God-head in our life. Such fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Apostle Paul concludes that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, but rather we now live by the consciousness of the Holy Spirit thinking, saying and desiring things that are in step and consistent with God’s presence in our life. That is the way to live a life of biblical integrity in every area of our life to the glory of God in Christ Jesus. It is my prayer that God will help each one of us waking up daily to so commit our life. Thus Holy Spirit is the Spirit of discernment that searches our soul pointing out areas of right and wrong to align with the will of God. Apostle Elder John said, “Dear Children, do not let anyone lead you astray... No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God” (1 John 3:7, 9). We are all called to authenticity in 2019 in the name of Christ Jesus.