John 14:15-17
“This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.” vs. 17
Those who are called into the community of Christ enter a whole new environment, one that is dominated by love, addicted to the teachings of Jesus, and empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit. This community will come together for worship and for service, actively and consciously continuing the mission of Christ in the world. Not everyone will get it or understand; the number of the chosen will always be small, just enough to provide leaven and light. But that little group of believers will have an influence far beyond their numbers, not because of their smarts or savvy, but because of the Spirit’s pervasive abiding presence and transforming power. As we are changed into the image of the Christ, the fruits of the Spirit will abound: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. If this sounds idyllic, it is! This community brings all that our hearts could possibly desire, yet with it will also come the suffering that is a natural cost of discipleship. And strangely enough, it will be in the sacrifices, in the crosses that we carry, that we will find our salvation and show forth the glory of God. Such is our call and mission as followers of Jesus! We are the living, breathing presence of Christ in the world! We are the Church!
Thought for the Day: How do I know if the Spirit is in me?
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