What Kind Of Beings?

Life is filled with experiences on many levels. These experiences may be classified as emotional, intellectual, personal or social, physical or spiritual, etc. However, WHAT ARE WE that is drawn into these experiences? Do these experiences define us or is there something greater that defines us and determines the manner in which these experiences are encountered and gone through?

In the window of a house I walk past on a regular basis is a small plaque stating: “We Are Not Human Beings Having A Spiritual Experience. We Are Spiritual Beings Having A Human Experience.”

We must remember the God Who is behind the origin of our life! We exist because God exists. God created us “in His image” ( Genesis 1:26-27) to be not merely fleshly, but rather SPIRITUAL BEINGS. Now here is the thing with which we must come to grips: How often do we allow our humanness to get in the way?

Paul note the struggle of the church at Corinth when he admonished…
“(1) But I, brothers, COULD NOT ADDRESS YOU AS SPIRITUAL PEOPLE, BUT AS PEOPLE OF THE FLESH, as infants in Christ. (2) I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, (3) for YOU ARE STILL OF THE FLESH. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and BEHAVING ONLY IN A HUMAN WAY?” ( 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ESV)

The church at Corinth was a gifted church. Empowered as they were, one might assume there was a high level of maturity among them. However, this was not the case. The problem was that though they were Christians, their humanness (flesh) continued to get in the way, creating conflict among them rather than unity. As Paul put it, they were behaving “in a human way” when they should have been behaving in a GODLY or SPIRITUAL MANNER. They still needed to do some more maturing in Christ.

What kind of being be we? What is reflected in our own decision making and daily living? What marks the spirit of our relationships? Is such based on our own desires? Is it approached in accordance with earthly standards? Or are we constantly striving to base all on the fact we are SPIRITUAL BEINGS created in the image of God and being renewed in that image through Christ? As we consider others -- their utmost interests and needs -- and seek to set self aside in being a servant for God’s glorious purposes, we will find ourselves embracing Christ-likeness right where the rubber meets the road! May we acknowledge the proper essence of our being, living in such a manner that our Creator may be seen and glorified in all aspects of our life.

Have a great day GETTING DOWN TO EARTH ABOUT SPIRITUAL LIVING!
Carl

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