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Living a Spirit-Dominated Life

(Overcomer Wu)

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:1

A spiritually mature person – the man or woman who is controlled by the Spirit of God – is a constant amazement to those outside the realm of spiritual maturity. Spiritual Christians baffle the world as well as the worldly Christians. There's a joy within them that is unattainable by the worldly people/Christian, a peace that is inexplicable, and an assurance of hope that is unwavering inspite of their circumstances. Though perhaps poor, these people are always rich in the spiritual treasures founded in Christ. Though perhaps not as well-educated, they are filled with the wisdom of God – a wisdom not of this world (1 Cor 2:6-8). Though sick and dying, they are full of life and hope. Though in a grim and discouraging world, they are bouyant and resilient. Hence, the apostle Paul testified of their unwavering faith and uncompromising ministry in 2 Corintians 6:8-10,

“by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

The carnal man is saved and indwelt by the Spirit, but he/she is controlled and dominated by his/her own soul-life – his own self-interests takes the main stage and priority in his/her life. In such carnal Christians, the Holy Spirit is a resident, but not the president in his/her heart. Lot is a good biblical example of such carnal man. He was enamored with the glitter of the world. Therefore, he pitched his tent towards Sodom and parted company with a godly man, Abraham. Soon he was in Sodom, sitting at the gate as a ruler – successful in position and wrapped up in materialism of this world. You have to read all the way through the Bible until you come to 2 Peter 2:7 before you find out that Lot was actually a believer. There are lots of Lots today. Lest, we are quick to judge others; let us examine ourselves. Does the Spirit truly have the lordship/presidency in our heart or are we still refusing to relinquish that position to Him? Do we have the habit of parting company with God's people by our constant missing of the meetings and chose rather to spend time establishing a position for ourselves in this world and hoarding up the riches that will soon be judged by God in the Lord's soon return? May we all renew our whole-hearted commitment to Christ and let Him be the President, Lord, and King of our life.