God's Marks
by Henry Teichrob
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit . . . . have no confidence in the flesh.
Philippians. 3:3
Many people today say they want to make a statement with their lives. To do this they use a variety of techniques - hair styles, tattoos, tee-shirt logos, bumper stickers, clothing styles, pennants, flags, and many others. God wants our lives to carry a message too. For Israel, God instituted circumcision. It was a very unique physical identity symbol. As believers, we are to be messengers for God. Our faith in Jesus Christ brings about identity symbols by which all people can read a message. It is the message of a changed life. Paul states in the above verse that our lives lived victoriously will have three distinctive characteristics:
We worship God in the spirit. This is not a Sunday morning worship time. It is a life-style. Recognizing that God is the great creator and owner of all there is in the universe, we structure our lives as a 24-7 expression of worship. On the job, in the community, at school, in our homes, we worship God in every circumstance. We know that He chooses to be present everywhere and in all situations. To recognize His presence at all times is the right thing to do. We gladly make "practicing the presence of God" our life style. This is very different from those who claim they are self-sufficient and boast a self-made existence. An attitude of submission to God stands in sharp contrasts the pride and self-centeredness which dominates an unbeliever's life.
We rejoice in Christ Jesus. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, "Rejoice evermore" 1 Thess. 5:16 and to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice." Phil. 4:4. Humanly speaking, this is an impossibility. But in the power of the Holy Spirit it becomes a possibility. When we can face adversity with outward equanimity and with inward rejoicing, a powerful message emanates from us to all who observe us. This reveals the presence of Christ by His spirit in our lives. It indeed is a sign of the fruit of the Spirit. This speaks of a deeper level of reality than mere happiness which comes as a result of circumstantial happenings. Our constant rejoicing in all of life is the identifying symbol of the true believer.
We have no confidence in the flesh. Living a victorious Christian life is not possible in the flesh. Rom. 8:13
Without the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit we cannot live the Christ life. It is by submission to His power that we can overcome the temptations that constantly surround us, namely, the world, the flesh and the devil.
Submission to His power requires humility. James instructs us to "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." Jas. 4:10. Humility is an act of faith. We can choose to be humble. We can also refuse to do so and continue to live in self-centered pride. Often others will see that we are humbled. When we choose not to, sometimes God allows us to be humiliated. This can result in bitterness and resentment. How much better it is to walk through life in humility as our own choice. It is precious in God's sight. It greatly blesses others. What a wonderful symbol to wear!
Have you in humility thanked God today for making possible a victorious Christian life? Why not do it now?
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