"For the fruit of the Spirit is
in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord."
.....Ephesians 5: 9-10.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If we were on trial for being a Christian, would
the evidence presented be sufficient to convict us as being "guilty as
charged?" Would we be guilty of love in the first degree for our Lord?
We have heard the above question asked in Christian circles many
times, and see a lot of thoughts in this question. We can have peace
and know that the answer would be "yes"....if we have made Jesus Lord
of all and first in our lives. The fruit of the Spirit in our hearts
and lives is evidence that Christ lives within. All goodness,
righteousness, and truth is found in Him. {Eph. 5: 9-10}
Satan will make many charges and false accusations against God's
children, but one charge or accusation which he will never make
against us, is that we are like Christ and doing what Jesus would do.
His work is to kill, steal, and destroy, as the accuser of those who
are in Christ. His goals and accusations are to destroy lives and
hinder God's work. We see an example of the false accusations made by
Satan in Job 1: 11, as to how Job's integrity would be, if trials and
tests were permitted in his life. Job did not sin, even when Satan was
permitted to bring misery and heartache into his life. He proved Satan
wrong, and defeated
the accusations of the enemy, by faith in God. In all his sufferings
and loss, Job sinned not, nor did he charge God foolishly. (Job 1: 22)
Job did not rebuke the enemy or try to bind Satan's power, which had
been allowed to test him. He knew the Lord was in control and Satan
could do no more than what God permitted. Job could not rebuke or stop
Satan's power over his children, possessions or health, as God had
permitted these trials in his life. As Satan was allowed to tempt Adam
and Eve, he was also
allowed to tempt Job. We are also subject to trials, temptations and a
test of our faith, but we have been given a free will and choice. As
we choose the ways of God and overcome evil, we are pleasing unto the
Lord. As we resist the evil one in the power of the Lord and through
the Word, Satan will flee. In this sense, we all have power over the
works of the enemy in our personal lives. Trials and temptations which
come to all believers must be resisted, as one stands strong in the
power and might of the Lord.
So many today do not recognize that although we have been given power
over evil, God permits the trying of our faith. Satan is under God's
control, not ours, although we have power within that helps us to
resist the enemy, and not yield to temptation. This is the power we
have over all the works of darkness. Through the Holy Spirit, nothing
shall in no wise harm us, as spiritual new creatures in Christ. We
have been given power to stand in the midst of adversity, affliction,
sufferings and sorrow; knowing God's grace will see us through, as it
did those who endured by faith in Hebrews 11. If the body of Christ
all truly believed and
exercised the power God has given, we would see more of the greater
works which our Lord said would be done, in His name.
We sing about God's power we have been given, but to truly sing of it
in spirit and in truth; we must have a made up mind that we will not
allow the "light" of the Lord in us grow dim, when problems arise.
With God's power, there will be more of God's light reflected through
our lives, to the world. We are not to stop or quit in the race when
times get rough, instead; we abide
in Jesus for His power and strength. We know through Him, we can stand
by faith. Knowing the truth and letting it reign in our lives, will
make us free in Christ. Just knowing truth does not make one free. It
is what one chooses to do with the truth, that will result in setting
them free.
We are also told to "prove ourselves and proving one's own work and
dedication to God is a command to us in Galatians 6:4. In 2 Cor.13:5,
we are told to "examine and prove ourselves." Our conscience will show
us right and wrong when Christ is living within our hearts, through
Holy Spirit. The trials which the Lord allows us to go through helps
us to learn patience, and proves our character, working hope in our
lives. We bind Satan by exposing his workings, using the Word of God,
and the name of Jesus, as we resist his many schemes.
Would the gavel sound upon the Judge's desk and a verdict of "guilty"
be pronounced if we were on trial for being a Christian? We all should
desire to be accused of being 'guilty of loving Jesus "first" in our
lives.' As long as we are in the Courtroom with our Lord, we can be
assured we have One who will be our Righteous Judge and Jury. His Laws
have been made and proclaimed, and we have been given all we need to
keep his commands and walk in them. The decision is ours to make, and
the proof is a "proving of our faith" in Him by our obedience and
works.
May we continue on as we daily examine our hearts and lives, that we
may give our Lord and Savior all honor due Him. One day we shall hear
Him tell us to "enter in," if we have been faithful over the things
given us in this life. We serve a Righteous God with "liberty and
justice" for all. It is a joy to be called a child of Abba....our
Father, the Great "I Am," whose name is holy.
We have been given victory in Jesus! What a mighty God we serve!
Blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2005
J. P.'s Inspirations
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/
