Manner of Spirit

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. (Luke 9:55)

Jesus Christ is not a conservative, a moderate, or a liberal. He is not an American, nor is He limited to or by any nationality. He is not pro-this or anti-that, for the Kingdom of God is not a matter of pros and cons, but righteousness and peace. He is God Almighty, who cannot be contained in any of the politics, principles, theologies, doctrines, or systems we build. In fact, Jesus did not come to give us Christian principles or convictions, but to give us abundant life -- and His life does not flow from laws and rules, but from the Holy Spirit.

The Lord simply won't conform to our constructs, our religion, our buildings, denominations, or programs -- and certainly not our principles or convictions (no matter how sincere). Beware of the temptation to mistake your passion for His. His ways, His thoughts, and His words are higher than ours, and that will never change.

Let’s Pray – Father, forgive us for making things about us, and not about Jesus. We need Your Holy Spirit, if we are to have abundant life. Refresh and renew us today! In Jesus, Amen.