This I Know
This I Know
(#122 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
When can you truly be “free?” It’s complex, yet so very simple. It’s merely a matter of “self” realization. Freedom can only come from the realization that the ego exists as part of your carnal nature, and that the carnal nature is one of total wickedness. Couple the awareness of this with the implantation of the Spirit of Yahweh into the conscience, and therewith, the idea of freedom becomes a realization, but not yet realized.
Paul speaks of “flesh vs. Spirit” and reveals, in part, the answer that is being elaborated here. Yes, the answer lies in this simple thought: “So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please the Almighty. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of the Mighty One dwells in you.” (Romans 8:8-9) I now realize that everything about my “self” (carnal nature) must decrease in order to become everything He desires for me. I must decrease! (John 3:30) This is most certainly a key component to the pattern of freedom, and must transform every thought within; but it is not the totality of the pattern.
The next step comes from obedience to step one; the realization that “On my own I shall never be good, ever!” By continually acknowledging this portion of the pattern, a new reality is birthed into consciousness, and it will sound something like this:
“Father, I am ready for the transformation, a complete shift from carnal to spiritual in all areas of my thought life. I believe that what first qualifies me is the presence of Your Spirit in me. And then when You do transform me and set me free, that the persistent recognition of it stirs this confession within; ‘I could have never done this, nor would I have ever wanted this goodness and purity apart from You.’”
It’s so very—perfect!