Greater is He that is in me…(1 John 4:4)

How often is the spirit of this world, the one that says Do this so you’ll fit in, or Just because you said no doesn’t mean you don’t want that, seemingly more powerful that the small voice in each of us that wants to take a stand, be unique, and be true to who we have been made to be?  

Often! 

It’s not that we’re better than the others who try and fail, or those who make us feel ridiculous for abstaining from sex, or drinking, or telling a lie, or gossiping, or whatever, it’s that the One who we have asked to be our Savior is. Jesus is greater, because he overcame the world. (John 16:25-33) 

But I live here. Now. Amid temptations, insults, pressures, and expectations of many to conform to their image, rather than God’s. If I take my eyes off Jesus, like Peter, when he began to walk toward him on the Sea of Galilee ( Matthew 14:22-32), I sink into the waters of doubt and lack of confidence in my beliefs. It is natural to believe my circumstances are more powerful than God’s powerful truth. 

Reflecting on a conversation and prayerfully journaling, I called to the Lord, asking him to bring up, or call forth, the incredible spirit within a friend. The Holy Spirit prompted me to stand up for my friend, praying that he find more true significance than the idle life he took comfort in. I once related to many of the pleasures he casually spoke of, and I’m still learning to steer clear of them. But, I didn’t want to seem pious or judgmental, so I quietly allowed him to continue, while uttering quick silent acknowledgements to the Spirit, who held me close, that I would not entertain my friend’s suggestion to pour myself a cocktail (though tasty sounding), or laugh at a lewd comment. 

How easy, I thought, could I have just jumped back into that seemingly harmless track of living without conviction or purposeful sacrifices. It’s so easy, so accepted, and so prevalent as to seem normal.  

It’s how you see yourself that makes all the difference, the Spirit whispered. 

Do I see myself as others see me, the former life of the party? Or do I see myself as God sees me, as I am to see myself? If I perceive I’m still the life of the party then I’ll easily slip, but if I take stock of what God’s been doing in me, the sanctification he’s been nurturing inside, I’ll want to take stock and stand. How can I betray my Lord for a whim of another? 

But greater is Christ in the believer, for we are to be holy as he is holy. (I Peter 1:13-21) This is no small thing to act upon and live out, but neither are we to do it religiously like a robot or a zealot. This is to live without grace, mercy, or God’s love. These are his ‘lifelines’ that shore us up and give us strength when we are weak. Grace is greater than sin, more abundant than material wealth, and an incredibly different way to live. As Paul said, no longer conforming to the rules of this world but being transformed…(Romans 12:2) 

Don’t try to go it alone. Christ died so that we might live, and not just get by, but live abundantly! As I acknowledge him in me, Christ in me, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), I am aware of my weaknesses, my prejudices, my hangups, my hopes, and desires, and am rendered as real. Not a robot, not a judge, just Chris, God’s beloved, imperfect, and loved son. Allowing Jesus to be who he says he is, Overcomer, allows me to take my eyes off of myself, others, and worldly realities so that I can savor, relish, and deeply breathe in the provision of life from the Source of all of it. 

Greater is He that is in you, for he overcame the world for you.  

Trust Him. Live in Him. Love yourself because He loves you and lives in you. And love others with His love.