Gravity!

We sometimes refer to the "gravity of a situation" when such is something to be very serious about. Situations of that sort can bring us down. And therein is another meaning of "gravity" -- that pull that keeps our feet on earth. Because of "gravity", DEFYING it takes power. Powerful rockets have lifted astronauts from the earth into outer space where they have experienced weightlessness. Besides the spectacular view of earth gained from space, experiencing the freedom from "gravity" and thus being able to float weightlessly about, I think would be a wonderful experience. The closest I have ever gotten to that was in a stunt glider last year for just a brief moment of weightlessness.

Though breaking free from the gravitational pull of the earth takes power, there is a sense in which we need to DEFY GRAVITY. There are some things of which we need to rise above rather than allow them to bring us down and keep us down. There are forces in this world other than physical gravity that can hold us down, keeping us from rising to maturity as God would have us. With God's help, however, we can rise above them.

In Paul's letter to the church at Galatia, he exhorted. . .
"(19) Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, (21) envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that THOSE WHO DO SUCH THINGS WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD." ( Galatians 5:19-21 ESV)

These earthly passions -- "works of the flesh" -- have power to hold down and keep from being able to rise to inherit God's kingdom. We must seriously seek to break such ties! Their powerful grip on our life must be broken. That is why such passions and desires need to be put to death! ( Galatians 5:24) Breaking from the strong pull of these we are then able to rise to the possession of the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ( Galatians 5:22-23 ESV) Oh, what a better picture that is! Oh, what freedom is associated with them! Oh, what a weight is then lifted from us, enabling us to soar spiritually in the higher calling we have received from God!

May we understand the "gravity" of failing to break free as we look to God for strength and wisdom to rise to live in the glorious godly manner in which He desires life to be lived. Let us press on with God's Will in heaven being the Will in our life on earth, thereby providing the world with an example to look up to as we try to lift the focus of others toward Him.

Have a great day LIFTED UP TO SOAR ON THE WINGS OF GOD'S WILL!
Carl

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